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Acute otitis media — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

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EasyPediatrics (well-child, chronic management)Acute otitis mediaUSMLE Step 3

A 2-year-old girl has fever and ear pain for 1 day. Otoscopy shows a bulging, erythematous right tympanic membrane with decreased mobility. She has no antibiotic exposure in the past month. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?

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Correct answer: D — High-dose amoxicillin therapy

Bulging tympanic membrane with acute symptoms supports acute otitis media; high-dose amoxicillin is first-line in many children.

Reference: AAP Acute Otitis Media Guideline