A patient with otitis media is treated for 10 days with amoxicillin.At the follow-up visit,the primary care NP notes bilateral erythematous,bulging tympanic membranes.The NP should prescribe:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Antibiotic resistance to penicillins occurs through three mechanisms,the most important being bacteria producing b-lactamase,which breaks down the b-lactam ring and renders the penicillin inactive.Clavulanic acid,used in combination with penicillins,prevents this inactivation.The NP should prescribe amoxicillin-clavulanate.Giving 10 more days of amoxicillin would not be effective.Dicloxacillin is used when resistance is caused by penicillinase-resistant staphylococcal infection.Penicillin G is not used to treat otitis media.

A Patient with Otitis Media Is Treated for 10 Days