A 5-year-old boy is brought to the GP with a 2-day history of ear pain and fever. He is otherwise well and examination shows an erythematous bulging r...

Question

A 5-year-old boy is brought to the GP with a 2-day history of ear pain and fever. He is otherwise well and examination shows an erythematous bulging right tympanic membrane. There is no discharge. What is the most appropriate initial management

Accepted Answer

Offer analgesia and safety-netting, as many cases resolve spontaneously

Answer

Immediate broad-spectrum antibiotics for 10 days for all children

Answer

Insert grommets urgently

Answer

Prescribe topical antibiotic ear drops only

Answer

Refer urgently to ENT

uk-plab-1 MCQ (SBA): Acute otitis media

A 5-year-old boy is brought to the GP with a 2-day history of ear pain and fever. He is otherwise well and examination shows an erythematous bulging right tympanic membrane. There is no discharge. What is the most appropriate initial management