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","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.

A. The child's oxygen saturation is 95%. B. The child's respiratory rate is 30 breaths per minute. C. The child has mild retractions. D. The child is able to speak in complete sentences.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

An oxygen saturation level of 95% is within the normal range (normal range is typically 95-100%).

While it is essential to monitor oxygen saturation, this value does not indicate worsening of the child's condition.

Choice B rationale:

A respiratory rate of 30 breaths per minute is above the normal range for a child and can indicate respiratory distress.

An increased respiratory rate is a concerning sign, suggesting the child is having difficulty breathing.

This finding indicates the child's condition is worsening and requires prompt attention.

Choice C rationale:

Mild retractions suggest that the child is working harder to breathe but may not necessarily indicate a severe worsening of the condition.

Retractions are a sign of increased respiratory effort but may vary in severity.

Choice D rationale:

A child with croup experiencing severe respiratory distress may not be able to speak in complete sentences due to the difficulty in breathing.

However, the ability to speak in complete sentences alone may not be a definitive indicator of worsening.

Monitoring the respiratory rate and effort is crucial in assessing the child's condition accurately.

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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

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 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?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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?

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.

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?

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

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?