A 7-month-old infant has had two prior acute ear infections and is currently on the 10th day of therapy with amoxicillin-clavulanate after a failed course of amoxicillin. The primary care pediatric nurse practitioner notes marked middle ear effusion and erythema of the TM. The child is irritable and has a temperature of 99.8°F. What is the next step in management of this child's ear infection?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Given the child's history of multiple acute ear infections, failure to respond to amoxicillin followed by amoxicillin-clavulanate, and the presence of marked middle ear effusion and erythema, referral to an otolaryngologist is the appropriate next step. This specialist can provide further evaluation and possibly surgical intervention, such as tympanostomy tube placement, if indicated.

A 7-Month-Old Infant Has Had Two Prior Acute Ear Infections