Question

A 2-year-old Aboriginal boy from a remote Northern Territory community presents to the local clinic with 2 days of ear pain and fever. He is systemically well. Otoscopy reveals a bulging, erythematous tympanic membrane without perforation. According to Australian guidelines, what is the most appropriate management?

Accepted Answer

Start oral amoxicillin 15 mg/kg (up to 500 mg) 8-hourly for 5 days

Answer

Watchful waiting with simple analgesia only

Answer

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

Answer

Immediate referral to ENT for tympanostomy tubes

Answer

Oral azithromycin single dose 30 mg/kg

Practice question