A nurse is assessing a 2-year-old child with croup.
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?

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.

Choice A rationale:

While giving the child plenty of water and juice is important for hydration, this statement does not address the specific management of croup symptoms.

Choice B rationale:

Running a hot shower and letting the child sit in the bathroom can create a steamy environment, but it is not the most effective way to provide humidified air.

A cool mist humidifier is a more controlled and efficient method for delivering humidified air to the child.

Choice C rationale:

This is The correct answer.

Using a cool mist humidifier in the child's bedroom is an appropriate way to provide humidified air, which can help ease breathing difficulties associated with croup.

Cool mist humidifiers add moisture to the air without heating it, making it easier for the child to breathe and reducing throat irritation.

Choice D rationale:

Giving the child a warm bath may provide some comfort but does not specifically address the need for humidified air, which is crucial in managing croup symptoms.

Providing humidified air helps soothe the inflamed airways and reduce respiratory distress associated with croup.