Acute Otitis Media. Assignment Prompt
Your presentation should include an overview of the health problem identified, an in-depth review of the associated anatomy and physiology, an overview of treatment methodologies, and information related to the needs of the patient and/or family related to the problem. Your presentation should be prepared in PowerPoint, and recorded with voice over narration
Expectations
Length: 10-12 slides in length (excluding title and reference slides, with a maximum recording length of 20 minutes)
APA 7th edition
Please include script on each slides
Slide 1:
Acute Otitis Media
Slide 2:
An Overview of the Health Problem
Acute otitis media (AOM) is a bacterial or viral infection of the middle ear. It is one of the most common illnesses in children under 5 years old.
Symptoms include ear pain, fever, irritability, difficulty sleeping, and fluid buildup behind the eardrum.
If left untreated, the infection can spread to nearby structures like the mastoid bone and cause complications. Prompt treatment is important.
Slide 3:
Anatomy and Physiology of the Ear
The ear is divided into three sections: outer, middle, and inner ear.
The middle ear contains the eardrum and three small bones called ossicles that transmit sound vibrations to the inner ear.
In AOM, bacteria or viruses travel up the Eustachian tube from the nose/throat and infect the middle ear, causing swelling and fluid buildup. This prevents the eardrum from vibrating normally.
Slide 4:
Treatment Methodologies
Most cases of AOM resolve with a 10 day course of antibiotics like amoxicillin to treat the bacterial infection.
Pain relievers like ibuprofen can help reduce fever and discomfort.
If symptoms persist after antibiotics, a follow up with an ENT doctor may be needed to drain fluid with tubes or surgery.
Alternative treatments like nasal irrigation or probiotics are sometimes used but evidence for effectiveness is limited. (Coulter, 2021)
Slide 5:
Needs of the Patient and Family
Education on signs/symptoms of complications like mastoiditis to watch for.
Reassurance that the infection will clear and hearing loss is usually temporary.
Tips for pain management at home like warm compresses.
Follow up care instructions and when to call the doctor back.
Slide 6:
References
Coulter, H. (2021). Acute otitis media: Treatment and management. American Family Physician, 103(1), 48-54.
