Review Question - QID 109776

A 70-year-old man presents to his primary care physician for ear pain. He has had ear pain for the past several days that seems to be worsening. The patient lives in a retirement home and previously worked as a banker. He currently is active, swims every day, and drinks 3 to 4 glasses of whiskey at night. There have been multiple cases of the common cold at his retirement community. The patient has a medical history of myocardial infarction, Alzheimer dementia, diabetes, hypertension, vascular claudication, and anxiety. His current medications include insulin, metformin, aspirin, metoprolol, lisinopril, and buspirone. His temperature is 99.5°F (37.5°C), blood pressure is 167/108 mmHg, pulse is 102/min, respirations are 17/min, and oxygen saturation is 98% on room air. Cardiopulmonary exam is within normal limits. HEENT exam is notable for tenderness over the left mastoid process and there is purulent drainage from the left ear. Abdominal and musculoskeletal exam are within normal limits. Which of the following is the most appropriate management for this patient's condition?