Description
Expectations (Jacqueline)
Length: A minimum of 180 words, not including references or attachments
Citations: At least one high-level scholarly reference in APA from within the last 5 year
Discuss what are the potential treatments for this child’s diagnosis
Inflammation and fluid accumulation behind both eardrums describe bilateral Otitis Media (OM), a frequent form of juvenile otitis media. Several methods exist for treating this problem. First, depending on the age, severity of symptoms, and risk factors of the child, a strategy of monitoring and symptomatic care may be recommended for milder instances (Gaddey et al., 2019). The kid should be monitored without administering antibiotics right away, and pain medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, water, and warm compresses for the ears should be used instead. Second, antibiotics are usually necessary when the case of OM is severe or recurrent or when the child is less than 6 months old. Amoxicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanate, and ceftriaxone are frequently used antibiotics. Thirdly, the insertion of tympanostomy tubes may be explored to relieve symptoms and minimize recurrences in cases of chronic or recurrent OM or in the context of persistent hearing loss (Gaddey et al., 2019). In addition, comfort can be significantly enhanced by the use of over-the-counter pain relievers. Close follow-up sessions with healthcare providers should be made to evaluate the child’s progress and treatment efficacy, and parents should be taught the proper dose and potential adverse effects.
What antibiotic/s should be given for this patient’s diagnosis?
Based on the patient’s history and current symptoms, amoxicillin/clavulanate (Augmentin) would be an effective antibiotic for this child’s Bilateral Otitis Media. This antibiotic mix was chosen because it is more effective than either component used alone against a wider variety of bacteria, including some that have developed resistance to amoxicillin. Including clavulanate enhances amoxicillin’s potency and coverage, making it a favorable choice in cases where previous treatments may have been less effective.
How long should you prescribe the chosen antibiotic?
It is essential to effectively manage Bilateral Otitis Media (OM) in children by determining the best period of antibiotic therapy. When a male child of five years of age presents with ongoing symptoms despite prior antibiotic therapy, a 10-day course of amoxicillin/clavulanate is the safest line of action. This time frame is consistent with recommendations and offers a holistic method of treating OM. Bacterial infections, especially Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis, are among the leading causes of OM. Because of their resistance, these bacteria may require a longer course of therapy to eliminate. Shorter regimens of antibiotics of about 5-7 days have been proven to increase treatment failure and recurrence, thus prolonging the child’s suffering and threatening consequences (Principi et al., 2023). In addition, a significant safety buffer is provided by increasing the treatment duration to 10 days. It considers that each kid responds differently to treatment and guarantees that the entire course is taken, even if the child shows immediate improvement, which is crucial in preventing bacterial resistance and the continuation of subclinical infection.
What teaching would you give this child’s parents on the prescription?
Parents need to be given detailed instructions on how to take care of their child’s medication. Parents should be instructed on how to give their kids amoxicillin/clavulanate, how long the medication should be given, and the consequences of stopping treatment prematurely (Marek & Timmons, 2019). Parents must know what to do if their child experiences unwanted side effects like diarrhea, a rash, or an upset stomach. It is crucial to find out whether the kid has any known allergies, especially to antibiotics, and to encourage parents to seek quick medical assistance if any signs of an allergic reaction appear. Maintaining adequate hydration and adhering to preventive measures, such as avoiding secondhand smoke and ensuring up-to-date vaccinations, should be emphasized, as should the importance of attending all follow-up appointments with the healthcare provider to monitor the child’s progress and response to treatment.
Write out a correct prescription for the antibiotic you will prescribe for this patient. (Be sure to include all elements needed for a correct prescription.)
The prescription includes all the necessary details for the patient, such as their name, date of birth, weight, age, diagnosis, the prescribed medication, dosage, route of administration, instructions for use, quantity, and refills.
Diagnosis: Bilateral Otitis Media
Medication: Amoxicillin/Clavulanate (Augmentin)
Dosage: 250 mg/5 mL
Route: Oral
Instructions: Administer 5 mL (1 teaspoon) orally every 12 hours for 10 days.
Quantity: 150 mL suspension
Refills: None
References
Gaddey, H. L., Wright, M. T., & Nelson, T. N. (2019). Otitis media: rapid evidence review. American family physician, 100(6), 350-356.
Marek, C. L., & Timmons, S. R. (2019). Antimicrobials in pediatric dentistry. In Pediatric Dentistry (pp. 128-141). Elsevier.
Principi, N., Autore, G., Argentiero, A., & Esposito, S. (2023). Short-term antibiotic therapy for the most common bacterial respiratory infections in infants and children. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 14, 11741
