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Acute otitis media treatment — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

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ModeratePediatrics (well-child, chronic management)Acute otitis media treatmentUSMLE Step 3

An 18-month-old girl has unilateral acute otitis media with fever 39.2 C and moderate otalgia. She has no penicillin allergy and has not received antibiotics recently. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?

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

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Correct answer: A — Treat with high-dose amoxicillin

Young children with severe acute otitis media symptoms should receive antibiotics; high-dose amoxicillin is typical first-line therapy.

Reference: American Academy of Pediatrics clinical practice guidance and Bright Futures preventive care