Question

A 7-year-year-old boy presents with unilateral ear pain and fever for 24 hours. Otoscopy shows a bulging, erythematous tympanic membrane. He is systemically well, eating and drinking, with temperature 38.2 °C and no mastoid tenderness. According to the Royal Children's Hospital guideline, which is the most appropriate initial management?

Accepted Answer

Watchful waiting with analgesia and review if not improving within 48 hours

Answer

Immediate oral amoxicillin for 7 days

Answer

Immediate oral amoxicillin-clavulanate for 10 days

Answer

Topical decongestant nasal spray and antihistamines

Answer

Urgent ENT referral and same-day myringotomy

Practice question