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Acute Otitis Media — MRCGP AKT MCQ

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HardENTAcute Otitis MediaMRCGP AKTUKMLAPARA

A 20-month-old has bilateral acute otitis media, fever 38.2°C and moderate ear pain. The child is drinking and not systemically very unwell. Which antibiotic strategy should be considered?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: E — Immediate or back-up antibiotic after shared benefit discussion

The best answer is “Immediate or back-up antibiotic after shared benefit discussion”. Children under 2 with bilateral acute otitis media are more likely to benefit from antibiotics, so an immediate or back-up prescription can be considered after shared discussion. Severity, otorrhoea, systemic illness and safeguarding ability influence the choice.

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