A 3-year-old child presents with acute otitis media, fever 38.3°C and moderate ear pain for 24 hours. She is otherwise healthy and immunised. Otoscopy...

Question

A 3-year-old child presents with acute otitis media, fever 38.3°C and moderate ear pain for 24 hours. She is otherwise healthy and immunised. Otoscopy shows an erythematous, bulging tympanic membrane. According to evidence-based Canadian practice, which approach is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Watchful waiting with adequate analgesia and safety-net prescription for antibiotics

Answer

Immediate antibiotics for all children with otitis media

Answer

No treatment; otitis media is always viral

Answer

Topical antibiotics only

Answer

Decongestants and antihistamines alone

ca-mccqe1 MCQ (SBA): Acute otitis media

A 3-year-old child presents with acute otitis media, fever 38.3°C and moderate ear pain for 24 hours. She is otherwise healthy and immunised. Otoscopy shows an erythematous, bulging tympanic membrane. According to evidence-based Canadian practice, which approach is most appropriate?