A 3-year-old Aboriginal boy living in a remote community has had persistent bilateral ear discharge for several months and significant hearing difficu...

Question

A 3-year-old Aboriginal boy living in a remote community has had persistent bilateral ear discharge for several months and significant hearing difficulty. Otoscopy shows perforated tympanic membranes with chronic suppuration. According to Indigenous ear health guidelines, which is the most appropriate next step?

Accepted Answer

Arrange urgent referral to an ear, nose and throat service or specialist outreach and ongoing hearing support

Answer

Reassure the family that this is self-limiting

Answer

Prescribe repeated short courses of oral amoxicillin only when discharge worsens

Answer

Recommend over-the-counter decongestant drops

Answer

Advise keeping the child out of school until discharge resolves

au-racgp MCQ (SBA): Chronic suppurative otitis media in Aboriginal child