A 4-year-old Aboriginal girl from a remote community presents with persistent ear discharge and hearing difficulty. Otoscopy shows a perforated tympan...

Question

A 4-year-old Aboriginal girl from a remote community presents with persistent ear discharge and hearing difficulty. Otoscopy shows a perforated tympanic membrane with chronic suppurative otitis media. According to Australian Indigenous ear health principles, what is the most appropriate initial management strategy?

Accepted Answer

Start topical ciprofloxacin ear drops and arrange audiology and ENT follow-up

Answer

Reassure the family that this will resolve spontaneously without treatment

Answer

Start oral amoxicillin only

Answer

Advise dry ear precautions only and review in 6 months

Answer

Insert grommets urgently in the emergency department

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