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 C
Explanation
The nurse should assess the degree of airway obstruction to determine the severity of respiratory distress.
Choice A rationale:
Assessing the child's height and weight is important for overall health assessment but does not specifically determine the severity of respiratory distress in croup.
Respiratory distress is primarily evaluated by assessing airway patency, effort of breathing, and oxygenation.
Choice B rationale:
The child's vaccination history is crucial for preventing certain infectious diseases, but it does not directly assess the severity of respiratory distress in croup.
Croup is commonly caused by viral infections such as parainfluenza viruses.
Choice C rationale:
Assessing the degree of airway obstruction is essential in determining the severity of respiratory distress in croup.
Children with croup often present with stridor, a high-pitched sound heard during inspiration, indicating partial airway obstruction.
The severity of stridor, along with signs of increased work of breathing, provides valuable information about the child's respiratory status.
Choice D rationale:
The child's social activities are not directly related to the assessment of respiratory distress in croup.
While social history is important in a comprehensive nursing assessment, it does not provide specific information about the severity of airway obstruction in croup.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Placing the child on a ventilator might be necessary in severe cases of croup, but it should not be the first action taken.
In this scenario, the child has moderate croup, so less invasive interventions should be attempted first.
Choice B rationale:
Administering medication to help the child's cough and breathing is an appropriate first step in managing moderate croup.
Nebulized epinephrine or corticosteroids are commonly used to reduce airway inflammation and relieve respiratory distress in croup.
This intervention can be effective in improving the child's symptoms and overall condition.
Choice C rationale:
Transferring the child to the ICU for closer monitoring is not immediately necessary in this case of moderate croup.
Such a step might be considered if the child's condition worsens despite initial interventions or if there are signs of severe respiratory distress.
Choice D rationale:
Discharging the child home without appropriate treatment and monitoring would be unsafe, given the child's symptoms and oxygen saturation level.
Immediate intervention and observation are required to ensure the child's respiratory status improves.
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