A Child Complains of Itching in Both Ears and Is

A child complains of itching in both ears and is having trouble hearing. The
primary care pediatric nurse practitioner notes periauricular edema and marked swelling of the external auditory canal and elicits severe pain when manipulating the external ear structures. Which is an appropriate intervention?

A) Obtain a culture of the external auditory canal.
B) Order ototopical antibiotic/corticosteroid drops.
C) Prescribe oral amoxicillin­clavulanate.
D) Refer the child to an otolaryngologist.