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.
"Croup is a common viral infection of the upper respiratory tract that causes inflammation of the larynx.”..
"Croup is most common in children under the age of 3.”..
"The symptoms of croup usually appear at night.”..
"The classic croup cough is described as a barking cough.”..
"Croup can be treated with over-the-counter medications, such as cough syrup and expectorants.”..
Correct Answer : A,B,C,D
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
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.
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D"]
Explanation
Nursing interventions for a child with croup include providing cool mist humidification, administering bronchodilators, and administering corticosteroids.
Choice A rationale:
Administering antibiotics is not a standard intervention for croup unless there is a secondary bacterial infection present.
Croup is typically caused by viral infections, so antiviral medications might be considered if the cause is identified as a specific virus.
However, antibiotics do not directly address the symptoms of croup.
Choice B rationale:
Providing cool mist humidification is appropriate for a child with croup.
Cool mist helps soothe the inflamed airways and can alleviate respiratory distress by reducing airway edema.
Moist air can make breathing easier for the child.
Choice C rationale:
Administering bronchodilators can be beneficial in the treatment of croup, especially if there is evidence of bronchoconstriction.
Bronchodilators help dilate the airways, making breathing easier for the child.
This intervention can be particularly useful if the child is experiencing wheezing in addition to stridor.
Choice D rationale:
Administering corticosteroids, such as dexamethasone, is a common and evidence-based intervention for croup.
Corticosteroids reduce airway inflammation and edema, leading to symptom improvement.
A single dose of oral corticosteroids is often sufficient to manage croup symptoms effectively.
Choice E rationale:
Encouraging the child to cough loudly is not a recommended intervention for croup.
Coughing forcefully may exacerbate airway irritation and inflammation, worsening the child's symptoms.
Instead, interventions should focus on reducing airway edema and providing respiratory support.
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