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?

Choice A rationale:

While giving the child plenty of water and juice is important for hydration, this statement does not address the specific management of croup symptoms.

Choice B rationale:

Running a hot shower and letting the child sit in the bathroom can create a steamy environment, but it is not the most effective way to provide humidified air.

A cool mist humidifier is a more controlled and efficient method for delivering humidified air to the child.

Choice C rationale:

This is The correct answer.

Using a cool mist humidifier in the child's bedroom is an appropriate way to provide humidified air, which can help ease breathing difficulties associated with croup.

Cool mist humidifiers add moisture to the air without heating it, making it easier for the child to breathe and reducing throat irritation.

Choice D rationale:

Giving the child a warm bath may provide some comfort but does not specifically address the need for humidified air, which is crucial in managing croup symptoms.

Providing humidified air helps soothe the inflamed airways and reduce respiratory distress associated with croup.

Choice A rationale:

Administering oxygen therapy is essential in cases of severe croup where the child has difficulty breathing.

Oxygen therapy helps ensure adequate oxygenation, which is crucial in managing respiratory distress.

Choice B rationale:

Positioning the child upright facilitates breathing by allowing the airways to remain open and reducing airway obstruction.

This position helps alleviate symptoms like stridor and allows the child to breathe more comfortably.

Choice C rationale:

Providing humidified air helps loosen secretions and makes it easier for the child to breathe.

Humidification can reduce airway irritation and soothe the inflamed throat, providing relief from croup symptoms.

Choice D rationale:

This choice is incorrect because encouraging the child to drink plenty of fluids is generally good advice for any illness but is not specific to croup.

While it is essential to keep the child hydrated, it is not a direct nursing intervention for managing croup symptoms.

Choice E rationale:

Monitoring the child's respiratory status closely is crucial in assessing the effectiveness of the interventions and identifying any signs of respiratory distress.

Close monitoring allows nurses to make timely decisions and take appropriate actions to maintain the child's respiratory function.