Final answer:
Acute otitis media (AOM) is prevalent in young children due to anatomical and behavioral factors, which include shorter eustachian tubes and lying down more often than adults. Causative agents such as S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, and M. catarrhalis, often lead to symptoms like ear pain and fever. Medication should be administered with the child lying down and the affected ear facing upward, without touching the ear canal with the dropper.
Step-by-step explanation:
Acute otitis media (AOM) is a common infection in young children, particularly between the ages of 3 months and 3 years. This infection of the middle ear is caused by factors like blockage of the eustachian tubes, which can occur due to upper respiratory infections and anatomical differences in young children such as shorter eustachian tubes and shallower drainage angles. Children are also more prone to lie down, which can encourage the movement of fluid and bacteria from the nasopharynx into the middle ear, particularly when bottle feeding.
The usual causative agents of AOM include S. pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis. Neonates are commonly affected by encapsulated strains of S. pneumoniae, while in older infants and young children, non-encapsulated strains of H. influenzae and M. cattarhalis are frequent causes. AOM is characterized by the accumulation of pus in the middle ear, leading to symptoms such as ear pain, fever, and in severe cases, swelling of the tympanic membrane.
When administering medication for AOM, proper technique is crucial to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment. The patient should lie on their side with the affected ear facing upward. Carefully, the prescribed number of medication drops should be applied into the ear without the dropper touching the ear canal to maintain sterility. Afterward, the patient should remain lying down for several minutes to allow the medication to reach the middle ear.