A Medical Assessment of a Child Tugging on Her Ears

The child is crying and tugging on both her ears. The symptoms started suddenly two days ago and are still present. Examine this case from the point of view of a nurse practitioner.

Sarah, age 4, is brought into the clinic by her mother. The child is crying and tugging on both her ears. Her mother states that the symptoms started suddenly two days ago and are still present. What physical exam/ assessment would need to be performed (ears, nose, and throat, enquire of any recent upper respiratory infection/ cough/ fever) and what would you expect to see (findings) on the exam? What would be the diagnosis for this patient? What would be the treatment and educational plan for this patient?