Question

Alexa H., a 2-year-old child with a 5-day history of an upper respiratory tract infection, is brought to the pediatrician’s office by her mother. The mother states that her child has been irritable and pulling at her ears. The pediatrician examines the child’s ears and diagnoses ________________________, inflammation of the middle ear.

Answer 1

your answer is otitis media

Answer 2

Alexa has been diagnosed with otitis media, which is an inflammation of the middle ear.

Explanation:

The symptoms of irritation and pulling of ears as noted by mother are all symptomatic of otitis media, inflammation of the middle ear. She should be immediately started on analgesics adequately.

And, depending on the symptoms whether it is mild or severe, the dosage of antibiotics can be considered. Since Alexa is a 2-year-old, antibiotics can be deferred. If the symptoms are severe, a dose of amoxicillin could be started in case she is not allergic to penicillin.