The nurse is providing discharge teaching to the parents of a 4-year-old with newly diagnosed asthma. An important tool to assess how well the asthma is controlled is:

Choice A reason: This is not appropriate because it may make the parents feel excluded or suspicious. It may also make the girl feel uncomfortable or scared. The parents have the right to be present and involved in their daughter's care, unless they pose a threat to her safety.

Choice B reason: This is not appropriate because it may offend or upset the parents and the girl. It may also damage the trust and rapport between the provider and the family. The provider should not make assumptions or accusations based on the girl's symptoms.

Choice C reason: This is appropriate because it respects the parents' authority and the girl's privacy. It also allows the provider to rule out pregnancy as a possible cause of the abdominal pain, and to offer appropriate counseling and treatment if needed.

Choice D reason: This is not appropriate because it may miss a potential diagnosis or complication. The provider should not rely solely on the parents' or the girl's statements about sexual activity, as they may be inaccurate or dishonest. The provider should follow the standard of care and perform a pregnancy test for any female of childbearing age with abdominal pain.

Choice A reason: Stridor is a high-pitched, harsh sound that occurs during inspiration. It is caused by the narrowing of the upper airway due to inflammation and edema. Stridor is a characteristic sign of croup, also known as laryngotracheobronchitis.

Choice B reason: Wheezes are high-pitched, musical sounds that occur during expiration. They are caused by the narrowing of the lower airway due to bronchoconstriction or mucus. Wheezes are more common in asthma than in croup.

Choice C reason: Crackles are fine, crackling sounds that occur during inspiration. They are caused by the opening of collapsed or fluid-filled alveoli. Crackles are more common in pneumonia or heart failure than in croup.

Choice D reason: Rhonchi are low-pitched, snoring sounds that occur during expiration. They are caused by the vibration of mucus in the large airways. Rhonchi are more common in bronchitis or cystic fibrosis than in croup.