Author Question: An 18-month-old child is seen in the clinic with otitis media (OM). Oral amoxicillin is prescribed. ... (Read 168 times)

Mollykgkg · **on:** Jun 28, 2018

An 18-month-old child is seen in the clinic with otitis media (OM). Oral amoxicillin is prescribed. What instructions should be given to the parent?

a. Administer all of the prescribed medication.
b. Continue medication until all symptoms subside.
c. Immediately stop giving medication if hearing loss develops.
d. Stop giving medication and come to the clinic if fever is still present in 24 hours.

Question 2

Parents bring their 15-month-old infant to the emergency department at 3:00 AM because the toddler has a temperature of 39 C (102.2 F), is crying inconsolably, and is tugging at the ears. A diagnosis of otitis media (OM) is made.

In addition to antibiotic therapy, the nurse practitioner should instruct the parents to use what medication?
a. Decongestants to ease stuffy nose
b. Antihistamines to help the child sleep
c. Aspirin for pain and fever management
d. Benzocaine ear drops for topical pain relief

yifu223 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 28, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Antibiotics should be given for their full course to prevent recurrence of infection with resistant bacteria. Symptoms may subside before the full course is given. Hearing loss is a complication of OM; antibiotics should continue to be given. Medication may take 24 to 48 hours to make symptoms subside.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Analgesic ear drops can provide topical relief for the intense pain of OM. Decongestants and antihistamines are not recommended in the treatment of OM. Aspirin is contraindicated in young children because of the association with Reye syndrome.