Question

A patient presents complaining of right ear pain and itching. On physical examination you note erythema and edema of the right ear canal with purulent exudate. Palpation of the tragus and manipulation of the auricle is painful. The tympanic membrane is not well visualized. Which of the following is the treatment of choice for this patient?

A. Amoxicillin
B. Aqueous irrigation
C. Tympanocentesis
D. Polymyxin B sulfate

Answer 1

A. Amoxicillin. The treatment of choice for this patient with right ear pain and itching is Amoxicillin.

Step-by-step explanation:

The patient's symptoms are consistent with acute otitis media, which is an infection of the middle ear. The recommended treatment of choice for this patient would be Amoxicillin, option (A).

When a patient presents with symptoms such as ear pain, erythema, edema of the ear canal, and purulent exudate, it is indicative of an infection. Acute otitis media is commonly caused by bacteria, and Amoxicillin is the first-line antibiotic for this condition. It is effective against the most common pathogens involved in AOM, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae.

In addition to antibiotics, symptomatic relief can be achieved with over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, and warm compresses applied to the affected ear. However, it is important for the patient to follow up with a healthcare provider to ensure resolution of the infection.