A young adult presents with facial pain and yellow nasal discharge after antibiotic treatment. What should the nurse practitioner do?

When a young adult presents with facial pain and yellow nasal discharge after antibiotic treatment, it suggests the possibility of a persistent or worsening condition that might not be responding to initial treatment. In this scenario, referring the patient to an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist or an allergist is the most appropriate step.

This approach allows for a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's symptoms, including any underlying structural issues, chronic conditions such as sinusitis, or possible allergic factors contributing to their symptoms. An ENT specialist can provide advanced diagnostic tools, including imaging or more sophisticated assessments of nasal passages and sinuses, to determine if there is an obstruction, chronic disease, or other anomalies that could necessitate different treatment strategies.

While changing the antibiotic may be an option if there is suspicion of a resistant infection, the lack of improvement after initial treatment raises further concerns that may not be addressed solely through medication changes. Additionally, oral corticosteroids might reduce inflammation but would not address potential underlying causes that need expert evaluation. Transilluminating the sinuses is a useful physical exam technique but doesn't provide a definitive diagnosis or comprehensive management plan. Thus, a referral to specialist care is the best course for optimal patient management and outcomes.