A frantic mother dialed 911 for her three-year-old daughter, who stuck a small dried bean into her ear. Assessment shows the bean to be lodged firmly in the ear canal. When treating this patient, the paramedic would:

A) reassure the mother and transport the patient.
B) make one attempt to remove the bean with tweezers.
C) have the patient follow up with her family physician.
D) gently flush the ear canal with sterile water until the bean is dislodged.

B, D