A nurse in a provider's office is caring for a child who has a history of asthma. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

Choice A reason: Improved hydration is not a specific indicator of the effectiveness of the treatment for acute laryngotracheobronchitis. Hydration status should be monitored for any child with a respiratory infection, but it does not reflect the severity of the airway inflammation.

Choice B reason: Decreased temperature is not a specific indicator of the effectiveness of the treatment for acute laryngotracheobronchitis. Fever may or may not be present in this condition, and it does not correlate with the degree of airway obstruction.

Choice C reason: Decreased stridor is a specific indicator of the effectiveness of the treatment for acute laryngotracheobronchitis. Stridor is a high-pitched sound caused by turbulent airflow through a narrowed upper airway. It indicates a significant obstruction that can compromise breathing. A reduction in stridor means that the airway inflammation has subsided and the child can breathe more easily.

Choice D reason: Barking cough is not a specific indicator of the effectiveness of the treatment for acute laryngotracheobronchitis. Barking cough is a characteristic symptom of this condition, caused by the swelling of the vocal cords. It may persist for several days after the acute episode, even when the child is improving.

Choice A reason: Herpes simplex is a viral infection that causes painful blisters or ulcers in the mouth or on the lips. It does not cause a white, milky plaque that does not come off with rubbing.

Choice B reason: Dermatitis is a skin inflammation that causes redness, itching, and scaling. It does not affect the mouth or cause a white, milky plaque that does not come off with rubbing.

Choice C reason: Squamous cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer that develops from the squamous cells that line the mouth and other parts of the body. It causes a hard, irregular, or ulcerated growth that may bleed or become infected. It does not cause a white, milky plaque that does not come off with rubbing.

Choice D reason: Candidiasis, also known as oral thrush, is a fungal infection that causes a white, milky plaque that coats the tongue, cheeks, and roof of the mouth. It can be scraped off, but may leave a red, sore, or bleeding surface. It is more common in people who have a weakened immune system, such as those who take antibiotics, immunosuppressants, or corticosteroids. It can also be triggered by smoking, dry mouth, or poor oral hygiene.