Chapter 77 Acute Otitis Media Q&A (1 of 22) Sample Questions

1. A 6-month-old child has common cold and runny nose for 2 days now. She also has fever at 39˚C. The mother is growing frustrated that she can’t help her baby from tugging or pulling her ears making it difficult for the child to sleep. Baby is overall irritable. What is appropriate?
  1. A. Encourage watch-and-wait.
  2. B. Refer to doctor due to signs of ear infections.
  3. C. Give pediatric Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen.
  4. D. Give Acetaminophen and cold sponge.
Ans: B
Tips: Watch-and-wait only for children >6-month age.
Ear infections are extremely common especially in children between six months and three year age. They are usually not serious and are not contagious. Most ear infections happen when child has already had cold for a few days. Symptoms include fever, difficulty sleeping, tugging or pulling the ears and overall irritability. Most children have relief with just Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen. However, the message to parent is if your child has cold and then develops sign of ear infection that do not improve with pain relief, take them to doctor to check it out. If children age over 6 months to 2 years, refer them if signs of ear infections occur within 48 to 72 hours.