A nurse is educating a parent about the prevention of croup.
Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?

Choice A rationale:

There is no vaccine to prevent croup, but practicing good hand hygiene and avoiding contact with sick people can help reduce the child's risk of getting croup.

Croup is mainly caused by viral infections, so minimizing exposure to viruses is essential in prevention.

Choice B rationale:

Giving a daily dose of vitamin C is not a proven method for preventing croup.

While vitamin C is essential for overall health, it does not specifically prevent croup.

Providing accurate and evidence-based information is crucial in parental education.

Choice C rationale:

Keeping the child's bedroom cool and humid may provide comfort during the illness, but it is not a proven method for preventing croup.

This statement does not contribute significantly to preventive measures against croup.

Choice D rationale:

Using a humidifier in the home can help maintain adequate humidity levels, which may reduce the risk of croup, especially during dry seasons.

Proper humidity can prevent irritation of the upper respiratory tract and decrease the likelihood of developing croup.

Including this information in the teaching is appropriate and beneficial for the parent to know.

Choice A rationale:

This statement does not indicate a complete understanding of croup.

Croup is not just a cold that affects the throat; it specifically involves inflammation of the upper airway.

Choice B rationale:

This statement acknowledges that croup can be serious but usually resolves on its own.

While this is true, it does not encompass the key symptoms and actions the parent should take if the child's condition worsens.

Choice C rationale:

This statement addresses general cold symptoms but does not specifically mention the characteristic symptoms of croup, such as barking cough, hoarseness, and stridor.

Choice D rationale:

This is The correct answer.

It shows an understanding of the symptoms of croup, particularly the mention of having trouble breathing, which is a sign of severe croup that requires medical attention.

Parents should seek emergency medical care if their child experiences difficulty breathing due to croup.

Providing this information demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the condition.