Question

55. The nurse is caring for a 15 month-old child with a first episode of otitis media. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in instructions to the child's parents?

A) Explain that the child should complete the full 5 days of antibiotics
B) Provide them with handout describing care of myringotomy tubes
C) Describe the tympanocentesis to detect persistent infections
D) Emphasize the importance of a return visit after completion of antibiotics

Answer 1

The nurse should instruct the parents to ensure the child completes the full course of antibiotics and to emphasize the importance of a return visit after the antibiotic treatment is finished.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse is caring for a 15 month-old child with a first episode of otitis media. Among the suggested interventions, the nurse should inform the parents that the child should complete the full course of antibiotics prescribed by the physician. This is crucial because even if symptoms improve before all medication is taken, complete treatment helps prevent the growth of resistant bacteria and ensures that the infection is fully treated.

Additionally, emphasizing the importance of a return visit after completion of antibiotics helps in monitoring the child's recovery and ensuring that the infection has been effectively cleared. This would be a method to combat the trends in parental expectations prescribed by antibiotics shown in studies, by emphasizing the appropriate use of these drugs.