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?

Continue to monitor the child's respiratory status.

Administer oxygen therapy as needed.

Prepare to administer nebulized epinephrine.

Notify the physician immediately.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A rationale:

Continuing to monitor the child's respiratory status may not be the best action in this situation, as the child's respiratory status is worsening and they are becoming increasingly agitated.

Immediate intervention is required to alleviate the child's distress.

Choice B rationale:

Administering oxygen therapy as needed is a supportive measure in respiratory distress situations, but in the case of severe croup with worsening respiratory status and agitation, nebulized epinephrine is the treatment of choice to reduce airway inflammation and improve breathing.

Choice C rationale:

Nebulized epinephrine is the primary treatment for severe croup as it helps reduce upper airway edema, relieve stridor, and improve respiratory distress.

It acts by causing vasoconstriction, which reduces swelling in the upper airway, making breathing easier for the child.

Therefore, preparing to administer nebulized epinephrine is the most appropriate action in this situation.

Choice D rationale:

Notifying the physician immediately is essential, but immediate intervention to improve the child's respiratory distress is also necessary.

Nebulized epinephrine should be administered promptly to alleviate the child's symptoms and prevent further deterioration.

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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. High fever. B. Inspiratory stridor. C. Barking cough. D. Wheezing. E. Respiratory distress.

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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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?

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 educating parents of a child with croup about the signs and symptoms.Which clinical manifestations should the nurse include in the teaching? Select all that apply.

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

Explanation

A nurse is assessing a 2-year-old child with croup.The child's mother states that the child has had a barking cough for 2 days, which is worse at night.The child also has a fever and is hoarse.Which of the following statements by the nurse is most appropriate?

A nurse is performing a nursing assessment of a child with croup.What should the nurse assess to determine the severity of respiratory distress?

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 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 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.
The child's respiratory status is worsening, and they are becoming increasingly agitated.
What action should the nurse take?