Running head: PATHO DISCUSSION W2 1
Patho Discussion W2
Patricia A. O'Laughlin
Olivet Nazarene University
, PATHO DISCUSSION W2 2
Overview Case Study 91 – Acute Otitis Media
The case study chosen for discussion this week is case study 91; Acute Otitis Media
(AOM) and can be found on page 438 of the Bruyere textbook. A brief overview of this case is
as follows, a 17-month old child with recurrent AOM is brought to the pediatrician for another
AOM infection. The child has a fever and antibiotics prescribed nine days ago are not effective.
The child has had recurrent AOM five times in the past 14 months and has previously received
antibiotic therapy with cephalosporins, macrolides, and most recently pediazole. The child was
delivered without complications at 40-weeks, was breastfed, no allergies, no surgeries or
hospitalizations, immunizations are current, had pneumonia at 14 weeks, attends daycare
regularly, lives at home with parents and a gerbil, father is a current smoker, and the mother quit
smoking 6 years ago (Bruyere, 2009).
Question 1: Which five characteristics/functions are assessed in determining an
Apgar score for a newborn infant?
An Apgar test provides a quick overall assessment of newborn well-being. The test is
performed immediately after birth, then at one and five minutes thereafter. According to the
American Pregnancy Association (2015), the Apgar test assesses color, heart rate, muscle tone,
reflexes, and respiratory effort of the newborn. Each item of the test ranges from 0-2 points with
a maximum score of 10 points. A score of 7-10 denotes routine newborn care is needed. A
score of 4-6, denotes supplemental respiratory support is needed for the newborn. If the
newborn scores below 4, lifesaving measures are required. This child in this case study had
normal Apgar scores.
Patho Discussion W2
Patricia A. O'Laughlin
Olivet Nazarene University
, PATHO DISCUSSION W2 2
Overview Case Study 91 – Acute Otitis Media
The case study chosen for discussion this week is case study 91; Acute Otitis Media
(AOM) and can be found on page 438 of the Bruyere textbook. A brief overview of this case is
as follows, a 17-month old child with recurrent AOM is brought to the pediatrician for another
AOM infection. The child has a fever and antibiotics prescribed nine days ago are not effective.
The child has had recurrent AOM five times in the past 14 months and has previously received
antibiotic therapy with cephalosporins, macrolides, and most recently pediazole. The child was
delivered without complications at 40-weeks, was breastfed, no allergies, no surgeries or
hospitalizations, immunizations are current, had pneumonia at 14 weeks, attends daycare
regularly, lives at home with parents and a gerbil, father is a current smoker, and the mother quit
smoking 6 years ago (Bruyere, 2009).
Question 1: Which five characteristics/functions are assessed in determining an
Apgar score for a newborn infant?
An Apgar test provides a quick overall assessment of newborn well-being. The test is
performed immediately after birth, then at one and five minutes thereafter. According to the
American Pregnancy Association (2015), the Apgar test assesses color, heart rate, muscle tone,
reflexes, and respiratory effort of the newborn. Each item of the test ranges from 0-2 points with
a maximum score of 10 points. A score of 7-10 denotes routine newborn care is needed. A
score of 4-6, denotes supplemental respiratory support is needed for the newborn. If the
newborn scores below 4, lifesaving measures are required. This child in this case study had
normal Apgar scores.
