Rosh Pediatrics Practice Exam

What is the most appropriate therapy for a 6-month-old infant displaying irritability and drooling suspected to be related to teething?

1. AAmoxicillin 50 mg/kg per day

2. BChilled teething ring and systemic analgesia if needed

3. COral benzocaine spray

4. DTopical lidocaine

The correct answer is: BChilled teething ring and systemic analgesia if needed

The most appropriate therapy for a 6-month-old infant displaying irritability and drooling suspected to be related to teething is the use of a chilled teething ring and systemic analgesia if needed. This approach is both safe and effective for infants. Teething can cause discomfort and irritability in babies as they experience the process of their teeth erupting through the gums. Providing a chilled teething ring can help soothe sore gums by offering a cooling sensation, which can relieve some of the discomfort associated with teething. Additionally, if the infant's discomfort is significant, systemic analgesia, such as acetaminophen, can be administered under the guidance of a healthcare provider to manage pain effectively. The other options involve medications or treatments that may not be appropriate or safe for infants. For instance, antibiotics like amoxicillin are not indicated unless there is a specific bacterial infection, which is not typically associated with teething symptoms. Oral benzocaine spray and topical lidocaine, while they may offer numbing relief, can pose risks such as methemoglobinemia and are generally not recommended for use in infants due to safety concerns. Therefore, the use of non-pharmacologic interventions like chilled teething rings combined with judicious use of systemic analgesia is