Question

When providing education to a mother regarding pain management for a toddler with otitis media, which statement by the mother indicates further teaching needs for this parent?

Option 1: "I will give my child the prescribed antibiotics as soon as I notice any ear pain."

Option 2: "If my child is in pain, I will offer a warm compress to the affected ear."

Option 3: "I'll make sure my child finishes the entire course of antibiotics, even if the pain goes away."

Option 4: "I'll give my child over-the-counter pain medication whenever there's discomfort."

Answer 1

The statement indicating further teaching is needed is the one about giving prescribed antibiotics for any ear pain. Antibiotics should only be used when prescribed by a healthcare professional for a confirmed case of AOM. Other pain management strategies mentioned are appropriate provided they're used correctly.

Step-by-step explanation:

When discussing acute otitis media (AOM) pain management for a toddler, it is essential to understand the appropriate use of antibiotics and other pain management strategies. The statement that requires additional teaching for the mother is: "I will give my child the prescribed antibiotics as soon as I notice any ear pain." This indicates a potential misunderstanding of the diagnosis-driven nature of antibiotic use. Diagnosis of AOM is typically made based on clinical signs and symptoms, and high-dose amoxicillin may be prescribed. However, antibiotics should not be given to the child unless they have been explicitly prescribed for a confirmed case of AOM by a healthcare professional.

A warm compress (Option 2) can be a comfort measure for a child in pain and is indeed a suitable method for pain relief. Completing the entire course of prescribed antibiotics (Option 3) is necessary to ensure the infection is fully treated. Over-the-counter pain medication (Option 4) may be used to manage discomfort, but it must beed at the correct dose for the child's age and size, and only when necessary.