A client with croup is asking the nurse about the condition.
The nurse explains that croup is a viral infection that causes inflammation of the upper airway.
The nurse also explains that the most common symptoms of croup are a barking cough, hoarseness, and stridor.
Which of the following statements by the client indicates that they understand the nurse's explanation?

Nursing interventions for a child with croup include providing cool mist humidification, administering bronchodilators, and administering corticosteroids.

Choice A rationale:

Administering antibiotics is not a standard intervention for croup unless there is a secondary bacterial infection present.

Croup is typically caused by viral infections, so antiviral medications might be considered if the cause is identified as a specific virus.

However, antibiotics do not directly address the symptoms of croup.

Choice B rationale:

Providing cool mist humidification is appropriate for a child with croup.

Cool mist helps soothe the inflamed airways and can alleviate respiratory distress by reducing airway edema.

Moist air can make breathing easier for the child.

Choice C rationale:

Administering bronchodilators can be beneficial in the treatment of croup, especially if there is evidence of bronchoconstriction.

Bronchodilators help dilate the airways, making breathing easier for the child.

This intervention can be particularly useful if the child is experiencing wheezing in addition to stridor.

Choice D rationale:

Administering corticosteroids, such as dexamethasone, is a common and evidence-based intervention for croup.

Corticosteroids reduce airway inflammation and edema, leading to symptom improvement.

A single dose of oral corticosteroids is often sufficient to manage croup symptoms effectively.

Choice E rationale:

Encouraging the child to cough loudly is not a recommended intervention for croup.

Coughing forcefully may exacerbate airway irritation and inflammation, worsening the child's symptoms.

Instead, interventions should focus on reducing airway edema and providing respiratory support.

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.