The primary care pediatric nurse practitioner diagnoses acute otitis media in a 2-year-old child who has a history of three ear infections in the first 6 months of life. The child's tympanic membrane is intact and the child has a temperature of 101.5°F. What will the nurse practitioner do for this child?

Choice A reason: Watchful waiting is appropriate for children over 2 years with mild symptoms and no history of recurrent infections. This child has a significant history of recurrent otitis media, making antibiotic therapy appropriate. Choice B reason: Ceftriaxone IM is reserved for cases where oral antibiotics are not feasible or in severe illness. It is not first-line for uncomplicated AOM in a child who can take oral medication. Choice C reason: Antibiotic ear drops are not effective for AOM unless there is tympanic membrane perforation or otorrhea. The intact membrane makes this option inappropriate. Choice D reason: High-dose amoxicillin is the first-line treatment for AOM in children with recurrent infections and moderate symptoms. A 10-day course is standard for children under 2 or with severe disease.