Croup
Croup ( 13 Questions)
The child's mother states that the child has had a barking cough for 2 days, which is worse at night.
The child also has a fever and is hoarse.
Which of the following statements by the nurse is most appropriate?
Assessing vital signs, including heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and temperature, is essential in evaluating the child's overall condition and the severity of respiratory distress. Listening to the child's lungs can help identify abnormal breath sounds, such as stridor or wheezing, which are common in croup. This information guides further interventions and helps determine the appropriate level of care.
While croup can cause respiratory distress, not every case requires an emergency room visit. The severity of symptoms, including the child's ability to breathe and oxygenate, should guide the decision to seek emergency care. In this scenario, assessing vital signs and lung sounds is the initial appropriate action.
Croup is a treatable condition, and there are specific interventions, such as providing humidified air and corticosteroids, that can alleviate symptoms and prevent complications. It is incorrect to tell the parent that there is nothing that can be done for croup. Medical intervention can significantly improve the child's condition.
Croup is primarily caused by viral infections, not bacterial infections. Administering antibiotics without confirming a bacterial infection is inappropriate and contributes to antibiotic resistance.
No explanation
The nurse should assess the child's vital signs and listen to his lungs.
Choice A rationale:
Assessing vital signs, including heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and temperature, is essential in evaluating the child's overall condition and the severity of respiratory distress.
Listening to the child's lungs can help identify abnormal breath sounds, such as stridor or wheezing, which are common in croup.
This information guides further interventions and helps determine the appropriate level of care.
Choice B rationale:
While croup can cause respiratory distress, not every case requires an emergency room visit.
The severity of symptoms, including the child's ability to breathe and oxygenate, should guide the decision to seek emergency care.
In this scenario, assessing vital signs and lung sounds is the initial appropriate action.
Choice C rationale:
Croup is a treatable condition, and there are specific interventions, such as providing humidified air and corticosteroids, that can alleviate symptoms and prevent complications.
It is incorrect to tell the parent that there is nothing that can be done for croup.
Medical intervention can significantly improve the child's condition.
Choice D rationale:
Croup is primarily caused by viral infections, not bacterial infections.
Administering antibiotics without confirming a bacterial infection is inappropriate and contributes to antibiotic resistance.