Candidate’s Card

Setting: General Practice Clinic

Background: You are a general practitioner seeing a mother who has brought her 10-year-old child in due to symptoms of external otitis (swimmer’s ear). The mother is concerned about the symptoms and how to manage the condition. She wants to know about the treatment options, preventive measures, and potential complications.

Task:

• Explain the symptoms and causes of external otitis, such as ear pain, itching, and discharge, often caused by bacterial or fungal infections. Discuss how factors like water exposure (e.g., swimming) and trauma from ear cleaning contribute to the condition.
• Discuss the treatment options available, including the use of antibiotic or antifungal ear drops, pain relievers, and advice to keep the ear dry and avoid inserting objects into the ear canal during recovery.
• Provide advice on preventive measures to avoid future occurrences, such as thoroughly drying the ears after swimming, using earplugs, and avoiding the use of cotton swabs or other objects that might damage the ear canal.
• Reassure the mother about managing external otitis effectively, emphasizing that it is a common and treatable condition with a good prognosis. Address any concerns about potential complications, such as hearing loss or chronic infection, and explain when to seek further medical attention.