Final answer:
The most likely cause of the 23-year-old female's symptoms is acute otitis media (AOM), an infection of the middle ear. AOM is characterized by pus accumulation in the middle ear, leading to pain, swelling, and discomfort. Medical attention is advised for diagnosis and treatment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most likely cause of the 23-year-old female's symptoms of bilateral stiffness and soreness in the preauricular region is acute otitis media (AOM). AOM is an infection of the middle ear that commonly occurs in children between 3 months and 3 years old, but can also affect adults. It is characterized by the accumulation of pus in the middle ear, which causes pain, swelling, and discomfort.
In this case, the symptoms being most pronounced in the morning and lasting for a week are consistent with AOM. The patient may also experience fever and other systemic symptoms. It is important for the patient to seek medical attention for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.