Final answer:
For a 4-month old child with acute otitis media and a fever, Acetaminophen should be administered due to its safety profile and effectiveness in children. It is the recommended treatment for reducing fever and alleviating pain in this age group, while Aspirin and Naproxen are not advised for use in young children.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the case of a 4-month old child with acute otitis media and a fever, the appropriate medication to administer would be Acetaminophen. Ibuprofen is also acceptable for children over 6 months, but acetaminophen is preferred for infants. Aspirin and Naproxen are not recommended for use in children due to the risk of Reye's syndrome and other safety concerns. It's essential to use the correct dosing for the child's age and weight.
Acute Otitis Media (AOM) is an infection of the middle ear and is especially common in young children. AOM is a frequent reason for antibiotic prescription and visits to pediatricians in the United States. When treating the fever associated with AOM, acetaminophen is an effective antipyretic and analgesic option that can help lower the child's fever and alleviate pain.
Moreover, it's crucial to follow the correct dosing guidelines and use the age-appropriate formulation of acetaminophen for infants to prevent any potential liver damage. The drug has fewer side effects compared to aspirin and is less likely to cause gastric distress.