The pediatric tympanic membrane: see it, describe it, treat it
McDivitt, K.
Orl-Head and Neck Nursing Official Journal of the Society of Otorhinolaryngology and Head-Neck Nurses 21(3): 14-17
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 1064-3842 PMID: 12961791 Document Number: 558686
Acute otitis media (AOM) is one of the most common childhood conditions for which antibiotics are prescribed, often unnecessarily. Current medical literature focuses on the treatment of AOM, appropriate antibiotics, and antibiotic resistance. Placing more emphasis on examination and description of the tympanic membrane (TM) reduces the over-diagnosing of AOM and concerns associated with antibiotic use. A thorough examination of the ear must be performed in order to make an accurate diagnosis. This article presents a three-step technique to assist providers to perform pneumatic otoscopy, visualize the TM, describe their findings, and subsequently treat AOM.