A 3-year-old child is brought to the emergency department with a barking cough, stridor, and difficulty breathing.
The child's oxygen saturation is 92%.
The nurse assesses the child's respiratory status and determines that the child has moderate croup.
Which of the following statements by the nurse is most appropriate?
"We need to get you started on a ventilator so you can breathe easier.”..
"I'm going to give you some medicine to help your cough and make it easier to breathe.”..
"I'm going to take you to the ICU so we can monitor your breathing more closely.”..
"We're going to take you home now, and your parents can take care of you.”..
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
Placing the child on a ventilator might be necessary in severe cases of croup, but it should not be the first action taken.
In this scenario, the child has moderate croup, so less invasive interventions should be attempted first.
Choice B rationale:
Administering medication to help the child's cough and breathing is an appropriate first step in managing moderate croup.
Nebulized epinephrine or corticosteroids are commonly used to reduce airway inflammation and relieve respiratory distress in croup.
This intervention can be effective in improving the child's symptoms and overall condition.
Choice C rationale:
Transferring the child to the ICU for closer monitoring is not immediately necessary in this case of moderate croup.
Such a step might be considered if the child's condition worsens despite initial interventions or if there are signs of severe respiratory distress.
Choice D rationale:
Discharging the child home without appropriate treatment and monitoring would be unsafe, given the child's symptoms and oxygen saturation level.
Immediate intervention and observation are required to ensure the child's respiratory status improves.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
High fever is not a typical symptom of croup.
Croup is often caused by viral infections, and high fever is more commonly associated with bacterial infections.
This choice is incorrect.
Choice B rationale:
Inspiratory stridor is a classic symptom of croup and is caused by the narrowing of the larynx and trachea, leading to a high-pitched sound during inspiration.
This choice is correct.
Choice C rationale:
A barking cough is a distinctive symptom of croup and is caused by inflammation of the larynx and trachea.
This choice is correct.
Choice D rationale:
Wheezing is not a typical symptom of croup.
Wheezing is more commonly associated with conditions like asthma, where there is narrowing of the smaller airways (bronchioles).
This choice is incorrect.
Choice E rationale:
Respiratory distress, indicated by increased work of breathing, is a common symptom of croup.
It can manifest as the use of accessory muscles, intercostal retractions, and nasal flaring.
This choice is correct.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
This statement does not indicate a complete understanding of croup.
Croup is not just a cold that affects the throat; it specifically involves inflammation of the upper airway.
Choice B rationale:
This statement acknowledges that croup can be serious but usually resolves on its own.
While this is true, it does not encompass the key symptoms and actions the parent should take if the child's condition worsens.
Choice C rationale:
This statement addresses general cold symptoms but does not specifically mention the characteristic symptoms of croup, such as barking cough, hoarseness, and stridor.
Choice D rationale:
This is The correct answer.
It shows an understanding of the symptoms of croup, particularly the mention of having trouble breathing, which is a sign of severe croup that requires medical attention.
Parents should seek emergency medical care if their child experiences difficulty breathing due to croup.
Providing this information demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the condition.
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