A medical assistant is preparing to collect a nasopharyngeal specimen. Which of the following steps ensures proper technique and patient safety?
Tilt the patient's head back to a 70-degree angle before gently inserting the swab parallel to the palate.
Touch the tip of the swab with gloved fingers immediately before insertion to check for defects.
Perform the procedure without gloves to ensure better tactile feedback during swab insertion.
Insert the swab upward into the nose to ensure contact with the nasopharyngeal tissue.