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Acute otitis media — ABFM Board MCQ

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EasyPediatrics and adolescent medicineAcute otitis mediaABFM Board

A 2-year-old boy has fever, ear pain, and decreased sleep. Otoscopy shows a bulging erythematous tympanic membrane with decreased mobility. He has no drug allergies. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial treatment?

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Correct answer: B — High-dose amoxicillin

Acute otitis media with a bulging tympanic membrane in a symptomatic young child is treated with high-dose amoxicillin when antibiotics are indicated.

Reference: American Family Physician clinical reviews and AAFP guidance: https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp.html