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.”..

Answer and Explanation

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

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E"]

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Administering oxygen therapy is essential in cases of severe croup where the child has difficulty breathing.

Oxygen therapy helps ensure adequate oxygenation, which is crucial in managing respiratory distress.

Choice B rationale:

Positioning the child upright facilitates breathing by allowing the airways to remain open and reducing airway obstruction.

This position helps alleviate symptoms like stridor and allows the child to breathe more comfortably.

Choice C rationale:

Providing humidified air helps loosen secretions and makes it easier for the child to breathe.

Humidification can reduce airway irritation and soothe the inflamed throat, providing relief from croup symptoms.

Choice D rationale:

This choice is incorrect because encouraging the child to drink plenty of fluids is generally good advice for any illness but is not specific to croup.

While it is essential to keep the child hydrated, it is not a direct nursing intervention for managing croup symptoms.

Choice E rationale:

Monitoring the child's respiratory status closely is crucial in assessing the effectiveness of the interventions and identifying any signs of respiratory distress.

Close monitoring allows nurses to make timely decisions and take appropriate actions to maintain the child's respiratory function.

A. "Croup is a common viral infection of the upper respiratory tract that causes inflammation of the larynx.”.. B. "Croup is most common in children under the age of 3.”.. C. "The symptoms of croup usually appear at night.”.. D. "The classic croup cough is described as a barking cough.”.. E. "Croup can be treated with over-the-counter medications, such as cough syrup and expectorants.”..

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]

Explanation

The correct answers are Choices A, B, C, and D.

Choice A rationale: Croup is typically caused by viral pathogens like parainfluenza, leading to inflammation of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi, resulting in airway narrowing and characteristic respiratory symptoms.

Choice B rationale: Croup most commonly affects children aged 6 months to 3 years due to their narrower airways and immature immune systems, making them more susceptible to upper airway obstruction.

Choice C rationale: Croup symptoms often worsen at night due to circadian variations in airway tone and increased mucus production, contributing to nocturnal stridor and respiratory distress.

Choice D rationale: The hallmark symptom of croup is a barking cough, resembling a seal’s bark, caused by turbulent airflow through an inflamed and narrowed upper airway, especially near the cricoid cartilage.

Choice E rationale: Over-the-counter cough syrups and expectorants are contraindicated in croup; they do not address airway inflammation and may worsen symptoms or delay appropriate treatment like corticosteroids or nebulized epinephrine.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Select all that apply.Which of the following are nursing interventions for a child with croup?

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E"]

Explanation

A nurse is teaching a parent about the signs and symptoms of croup. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching? Select all that apply.

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a child with croup.The child's respiratory status is worsening, and they are becoming increasingly agitated.What action should the nurse take?

A nurse is caring for a child with croup in the hospital.The child is receiving humidified air and nebulized racemic epinephrine.The nurse monitors the child's respiratory status closely.Which of the following findings would indicate to the nurse that the child's condition is worsening?

A nurse is educating a parent about the prevention of croup.Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?

A nurse is caring for a child with croup and needs to implement nursing interventions.What interventions are appropriate for a child with croup? Select all that apply.

A nurse is teaching the parents of a child with croup about home care management.The nurse explains that it is important to keep the child hydrated and to provide humidified air.Which of the following statements by the parent indicates that they understand the nurse's instructions?