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Patient case: Acute Otitis Media

Patient case: Acute Otitis Media

Discussion

A 3-year-old child presents to the pediatric clinic with a two-day history of ear pain, irritability, and fever. The mother reports that the child had a recent upper respiratory infection. On examination, the child has a red, bulging tympanic membrane in the right ear, with decreased mobility on pneumatic otoscopy. The diagnosis of acute otitis media (AOM) is made, and the child is prescribed antibiotics. Follow-up is planned to monitor symptom resolution and assess for any potential complications.

 

Questions
1. What is the most common presenting symptom of acute otitis media?

A) Ear discharge

B) Hearing loss

C) Ear pain

D) Dizziness

2. Which of the following is a common complication of acute otitis media if left untreated?

A) Chronic suppurative otitis media

B) Nasal polyps

C) Sinusitis

D) Tinnitus

3. What is the likely cause of the persistent ear discharge in this patient?

A) Viral infection

B) Bacterial infection leading to tympanic membrane perforation

C) Allergic reaction

D) Inner ear damage

4. What is the appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A) Prescribe oral antibiotics again

B) Immediate referral to an otolaryngologist

C) Observation without further treatment

D) Prescribe antihistamines

Reveal answers

Answers

1. C) Ear pain

2. A) Chronic suppurative otitis media

3. B) Bacterial infection leading to tympanic membrane perforation

4. B) Immediate referral to an otolaryngolog

ist