Answer:
Advise continuing the amoxicillin as ordered and provide a schedule of PRN dosing of ibuprofen for pain
Step-by-step explanation:
Amoxicillin is an antibiotic medication often used for the treatment of otitis media, or middle ear infection. As an antibiotic, the patient should not discontinue the medication unless a hypersensitivity reaction occurs such as anaphylaxis. This is something to emphasize when teaching about this medication. Keep that in mind and let's get into the answer choices.
Amoxicillin/clavulanate is a combination anti-infective medication that binds to the cell wall and causes cell death as well as resisting the action of a specific enzyme called beta-lactamase that can inactivate penicillin family medications. This option would not, however, address the patient's pain or fever.
Prescribing a sleep aid medication, like some diphenhydramine OTCs, could work if 1) the patient's only issue was with attaining sleep and 2) the patient was over the age of two years old, many of these medications are not indicated for patients younger than this. The patient does not meet this criteria. The medication also would not address the patient's concerns.
Without a comprehensive assessment, the provider should not conclude that the patient will need surgical intervention! The patient will need proper examination and exploration of other options before reaching such diagnosis.
Lastly, as foreshadowed, antibiotics like amoxicillin should not be discontinued as it may allow the bacteria an opportunity to develop resistance before it can be eliminated by the body. Further, ibuprofen given as needed (PRN) has both analgesic (pain relief) and antipyretic (fever relief) properties while also being indicated for use in children as young as six months old. These two medications also do not have and drug-drug interactions with each other rendering them safe to give concurrently, making this your answer.