Question

The nurse in an urgent care clinic is preparing discharge instructions for the parents of a 15-month-old child with a first episode of otitis media. Which information is the priority to include?

A
Provide a written handout describing the care of myringotomy tubes
B
Describe the tympanocentesis most likely needed to clear the infection
C
Explain that the child should complete the full 10 days of antibiotics Correct Answer (Blank)
D
Offer information on recommended immunizations around the child's second birthday

Answer 1

The priority information for discharge instructions is to ensure that the parents understand the importance of completing the full course of prescribed antibiotics for their child's otitis media.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse in an urgent care clinic is preparing discharge instructions for the parents of a 15-month-old child with a first episode of otitis media. The most important information to prioritize in such a case is C) explaining that the child should complete the full 10 days of antibiotics. Acute otitis media (AOM) is a common illness in young children that can lead to the accumulation of fluid and pus due to an infection of the middle ear. It is crucial that antibiotics, once prescribed, are completed in full to ensure that the infection is adequately treated and to reduce the risk of developing antibiotic resistance or recurrent infections.

Completing the full course of antibiotics is important to ensure the infection is completely cleared and reduce the risk of recurrence or antibiotic resistance.

Although the other options may be important, ensuring the child completes the full course of antibiotics takes priority in preventing complications.