Question

A 3-year-old boy presents with acute onset ear pain and fever 38.5 °C for 24 hours. He is systemically well, feeding adequately and has no vomiting. Otoscopy shows a red, bulging right tympanic membrane without perforation. He has no significant medical history and is not Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. According to Therapeutic Guidelines, what is the most appropriate initial management?

Accepted Answer

Provide adequate analgesia and observe, with review if not improving in 48-72 hours

Answer

Immediate prescription of amoxicillin 15 mg/kg orally 8-hourly for 5 days

Answer

Immediate prescription of amoxicillin-clavulanate 22.5+3.2 mg/kg orally twice daily for 10 days

Answer

Commence oral cefalexin 12.5 mg/kg orally 6-hourly for 5 days

Answer

Start topical ciprofloxacin ear drops

Practice question