Otitis Media Assessment and Diagnosis

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What is the first-line treatment for otitis externa?

Ear cleaning

Topical corticosteroids

Oral antibiotics

Topical antibiotics (correct)

What procedure may be necessary in cases where otitis media is recurrent or persistent?

Ear swab culture

Placing tubes in the ears (correct)

Audiometry

Use of hearing aids or ear plugs

What is the primary basis for diagnosing otitis externa?

History and physical examination findings (correct)

Use of hearing aids or ear plugs

Ear swab culture

Audiometry

In cases of prolonged or recurrent otitis externa, what test may be performed to assess for any hearing loss?

Audiometry Signup and view all the answers

Which medication can help reduce inflammation and swelling in the ear canal?

Topical corticosteroids Signup and view all the answers

What is the assessment of otitis externa likely to involve?

Thorough history taking and physical examination Signup and view all the answers

What can be used to manage pain in otitis externa?

Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen Signup and view all the answers

What type of test may be performed if the infection is severe or not responding to treatment?

Ear swab culture Signup and view all the answers

What could be done by a healthcare provider to remove any debris or discharge from the ear canal?

Ear cleaning Signup and view all the answers

In severe cases or if the infection does not respond to initial treatment, what may be necessary?

Oral antibiotics or referral to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist Signup and view all the answers

What are some key points to consider during history taking for otitis externa?

Onset and duration of symptoms, Pain, itching, or discharge from the ear Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common symptom of otitis media?

Ear pain Signup and view all the answers

How is the diagnosis of otitis media made?

Based on history and physical examination findings Signup and view all the answers

When is Acute Otitis Media (AOM) diagnosed?

When there is evidence of acute infection and symptoms of ear infection Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary treatment approach for mild cases of AOM?

Watchful waiting Signup and view all the answers

What is the most commonly prescribed antibiotic for severe cases of AOM or for all cases in children under 2 years?

Amoxicillin Signup and view all the answers

What are the typical signs looked for during a physical examination for otitis media?

Bulging or red eardrum, fluid behind the eardrum, and perforation of the eardrum Signup and view all the answers

Which type of otitis media is diagnosed when there is fluid behind the eardrum without signs of acute infection?

Otitis Media with Effusion (OME) Signup and view all the answers

What is the general approach to treating pain in otitis media?

Pain relief is an important part of treatment Signup and view all the answers

When is watchful waiting recommended in otitis media?

For mild cases of AOM Signup and view all the answers

What are the typical symptoms asked about during the history taking for otitis media?

Ear pain, hearing loss, fever, irritability, and discharge from the ear. Signup and view all the answers

What does Otitis Media with Effusion (OME) diagnosis entail?

Fluid behind the eardrum without signs of acute infection. Signup and view all the answers