A 3-year-old child is brought to the emergency department with a barking cough, stridor, and difficulty breathing.
The child's oxygen saturation is 92%.
The nurse assesses the child's respiratory status and determines that the child has moderate croup.
Which of the following statements by the nurse is most appropriate?
"We need to get you started on a ventilator so you can breathe easier.”..
"I'm going to give you some medicine to help your cough and make it easier to breathe.”..
"I'm going to take you to the ICU so we can monitor your breathing more closely.”..
"We're going to take you home now, and your parents can take care of you.”..
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
Placing the child on a ventilator might be necessary in severe cases of croup, but it should not be the first action taken.
In this scenario, the child has moderate croup, so less invasive interventions should be attempted first.
Choice B rationale:
Administering medication to help the child's cough and breathing is an appropriate first step in managing moderate croup.
Nebulized epinephrine or corticosteroids are commonly used to reduce airway inflammation and relieve respiratory distress in croup.
This intervention can be effective in improving the child's symptoms and overall condition.
Choice C rationale:
Transferring the child to the ICU for closer monitoring is not immediately necessary in this case of moderate croup.
Such a step might be considered if the child's condition worsens despite initial interventions or if there are signs of severe respiratory distress.
Choice D rationale:
Discharging the child home without appropriate treatment and monitoring would be unsafe, given the child's symptoms and oxygen saturation level.
Immediate intervention and observation are required to ensure the child's respiratory status improves.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
There is no vaccine to prevent croup, but practicing good hand hygiene and avoiding contact with sick people can help reduce the child's risk of getting croup.
Croup is mainly caused by viral infections, so minimizing exposure to viruses is essential in prevention.
Choice B rationale:
Giving a daily dose of vitamin C is not a proven method for preventing croup.
While vitamin C is essential for overall health, it does not specifically prevent croup.
Providing accurate and evidence-based information is crucial in parental education.
Choice C rationale:
Keeping the child's bedroom cool and humid may provide comfort during the illness, but it is not a proven method for preventing croup.
This statement does not contribute significantly to preventive measures against croup.
Choice D rationale:
Using a humidifier in the home can help maintain adequate humidity levels, which may reduce the risk of croup, especially during dry seasons.
Proper humidity can prevent irritation of the upper respiratory tract and decrease the likelihood of developing croup.
Including this information in the teaching is appropriate and beneficial for the parent to know.
Correct Answer is ["B","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
High fever is not a typical symptom of croup.
Croup is often caused by viral infections, and high fever is more commonly associated with bacterial infections.
This choice is incorrect.
Choice B rationale:
Inspiratory stridor is a classic symptom of croup and is caused by the narrowing of the larynx and trachea, leading to a high-pitched sound during inspiration.
This choice is correct.
Choice C rationale:
A barking cough is a distinctive symptom of croup and is caused by inflammation of the larynx and trachea.
This choice is correct.
Choice D rationale:
Wheezing is not a typical symptom of croup.
Wheezing is more commonly associated with conditions like asthma, where there is narrowing of the smaller airways (bronchioles).
This choice is incorrect.
Choice E rationale:
Respiratory distress, indicated by increased work of breathing, is a common symptom of croup.
It can manifest as the use of accessory muscles, intercostal retractions, and nasal flaring.
This choice is correct.
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