A nurse is caring for a 3-year-old child with sudden onset of fever, crying and rubbing of the left ear. The nurse should suspect that the child has what type of problem?

A. Otitis externa, or swimmer's ear, is an infection of the outer ear canal, typically caused by water exposure, and usually presents with itching, discomfort, or drainage rather than fever and ear pain. B. Otitis media, an infection of the middle ear, is common in children and often presents with symptoms such as fever, ear pain, and irritability. The child’s behavior of crying and rubbing the ear is consistent with this condition. C. A viral sore throat usually presents with throat pain, fever, and sometimes coughing or congestion, but ear pain is less commonly associated. D. A sinus infection may cause facial pain, nasal congestion, and discharge but is less likely to present with ear pain and rubbing.