A 3-year-old boy presents with 2 days of ear pain and fever. Examination shows a red bulging tympanic membrane on the right. He is otherwise well and ...

Question

A 3-year-old boy presents with 2 days of ear pain and fever. Examination shows a red bulging tympanic membrane on the right. He is otherwise well and systemically stable. What is the most appropriate management?

Accepted Answer

No immediate antibiotics; provide analgesia and advise parents that many cases resolve within 3 days, with a back-up prescription if not improving or if symptoms worsen

Answer

Immediate oral Amoxicillin for 10 days for all cases

Answer

Prescribe topical ear drops only

Answer

Arrange urgent ENT referral for grommet insertion

Answer

Start long-term prophylactic antibiotics

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

A 3-year-old boy presents with 2 days of ear pain and fever. Examination shows a red bulging tympanic membrane on the right. He is otherwise well and systemically stable. What is the most appropriate management?