A nurse is caring for a client who has autism spectrum disorder. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

A. Barking cough: A barking cough is a characteristic symptom of acute laryngotracheobronchitis (croup), indicating inflammation of the upper airway. While it may improve with treatment, it is not necessarily an indication that the treatment has been effective on its own.

B. Decreased stridor: Stridor is a high-pitched, wheezing sound heard during inspiration and indicates upper airway obstruction. In acute laryngotracheobronchitis, stridor is a prominent symptom. Decreased stridor suggests that the airway obstruction is resolving, which indicates that the treatment has been effective.

C. Decreased temperature: While fever may be present in some cases of acute laryngotracheobronchitis, it is not a defining characteristic. A decreased temperature alone does not necessarily indicate that the treatment has been effective in managing the condition.

D. Improved hydration: Hydration is important in managing any illness, including acute laryngotracheobronchitis, but improved hydration alone does not indicate that the treatment has been effective in resolving the condition. It may be an important aspect of supportive care but does not directly reflect the resolution of airway obstruction.

A. Place a heated fan at the bedside to facilitate drying: Using a heated fan can increase the risk of burns to the child's skin underneath the cast. The drying process for a cast should occur naturally, and artificial heat sources should not be used.

B. Support the casted arm with a firm grasp: While it's important to support the child's arm during the casting procedure, doing so with a firm grasp may not be necessary or appropriate. The nurse should follow the orthopedic surgeon's instructions regarding the positioning and support of the arm during casting.

C. Tell the child, "This will make your arm feel better": This statement may not accurately reflect the purpose of the cast, as casting is typically done to immobilize and protect the injured limb during the healing process. It's important to provide developmentally appropriate explanations to children about medical procedures, but this particular statement may not be helpful or accurate in this context.

D. Wrap the arm of the child's doll or toy prior to the procedure: This action helps familiarize the child with the procedure and can serve as a form of therapeutic play. By involving the child's toy or doll, the nurse can help reduce anxiety and fear associated with the casting procedure. It also provides an opportunity for the child to understand what will happen to their own arm, promoting a sense of familiarity and control over the situation.