The parent of a hospitalized 2-year-old child with viral laryngotracheobronchitis (croup) asks the nurse why the pediatrician did not prescribe antibiotics. Which response would the nurse make?

A. The child is too young to receive antibiotics: This statement doesn't address the actual reason for not prescribing antibiotics for croup, which is primarily due to its viral nature.
B. "Antibiotics are not indicated unless a bacterial infection is present."
Explanation:
Viral laryngotracheobronchitis, commonly known as croup, is typically caused by a viral infection, most commonly by the parainfluenza virus. Antibiotics are not effective against viruses. Therefore, unless a bacterial infection is also present, prescribing antibiotics is not necessary or beneficial in treating croup.
C. The child may be allergic to antibiotics: While antibiotic allergies are a consideration, it doesn't explain why antibiotics are not prescribed for viral illnesses like croup.
D. The child still has the maternal antibodies from birth and does not need antibiotics: Maternal antibodies can offer some protection against infections, but the primary reason for not using antibiotics in viral infections like croup is because antibiotics are ineffective against viruses.

A. Symptoms are continuous throughout the day:
Incorrect: Continuous symptoms throughout the day are more indicative of moderate or severe persistent asthma, not mild persistent asthma.
B. Daytime symptoms occur more than twice a week:
Correct Answer: Children with mild persistent asthma may experience symptoms more than twice a week, but less than once a day.
C. Peak expiratory flow (PEF) is greater than or equal to 80% of the predicted value:In mild persistent asthma, pulmonary function tests (e.g., PEF or FEV1) remain normal or close to normal, with values typically ≥80% of the predicted value, reflecting good lung function between episodes.
D. Nighttime symptoms occur approximately twice a month:
Mild persistent asthma often involves nighttime symptoms or awakenings occurring 3–4 times per month. If nighttime symptoms occur more frequently (e.g., once weekly), it suggests moderate persistent asthma.
E. Minor limitations occur with normal activity:Children with mild persistent asthma may experience minor limitations in their normal activities. These limitations are not severe and do not significantly impact daily life.