Croup
Croup ( 13 Questions)
The child is receiving humidified air and nebulized racemic epinephrine.
The nurse monitors the child's respiratory status closely.
Which of the following findings would indicate to the nurse that the child's condition is worsening?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.