Review Question - QID 216697

A 3-year-old boy is brought in by his parents to the emergency room for bilateral ear discomfort. He has no past medical history. Over the past week, he has had a runny nose and has been pulling both of his ears due to pain. His parents report that he has been crying constantly. The patient is otherwise healthy and does not take any medications. On physical exam, his temperature is 102.3°F (39.1°C), blood pressure is 100/60 mmHg, pulse is 90/min, and respirations are 12/min. Examination of the right tympanic membrane is shown in Figure A. Pneumatic otoscopy reveals immobile tympanic membranes bilaterally. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?