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Acute Otitis Media — MRCGP AKT MCQ

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HardENTAcute Otitis MediaMRCGP AKTUKMLAPARA

A 3-year-old has unilateral acute otitis media for 24 hours, temperature 38.1°C, no otorrhoea and no systemic illness. What is the most appropriate initial prescribing approach?

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Correct answer: A — Use analgesia with back-up antibiotic planning

The best answer is “Use analgesia with back-up antibiotic planning”. Most uncomplicated acute otitis media resolves without antibiotics. In a well child aged over 2 with unilateral disease and no otorrhoea, no antibiotic or a back-up prescription plus adequate analgesia and clear review advice is appropriate. Immediate treatment is reserved for selected higher-risk or more unwell children.

Reference: NICE NG91: Acute otitis media antimicrobial prescribing: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng91/chapter/Recommendations