A nurse is caring for a child with croup and needs to implement nursing interventions.
What interventions are appropriate for a child with croup? Select all that apply.
Administer antibiotics.
Provide cool mist humidification.
Administer bronchodilators.
Administer corticosteroids.
Encourage the child to cough loudly.
Correct Answer : B,C,D
Nursing interventions for a child with croup include providing cool mist humidification, administering bronchodilators, and administering corticosteroids.
Choice A rationale:
Administering antibiotics is not a standard intervention for croup unless there is a secondary bacterial infection present.
Croup is typically caused by viral infections, so antiviral medications might be considered if the cause is identified as a specific virus.
However, antibiotics do not directly address the symptoms of croup.
Choice B rationale:
Providing cool mist humidification is appropriate for a child with croup.
Cool mist helps soothe the inflamed airways and can alleviate respiratory distress by reducing airway edema.
Moist air can make breathing easier for the child.
Choice C rationale:
Administering bronchodilators can be beneficial in the treatment of croup, especially if there is evidence of bronchoconstriction.
Bronchodilators help dilate the airways, making breathing easier for the child.
This intervention can be particularly useful if the child is experiencing wheezing in addition to stridor.
Choice D rationale:
Administering corticosteroids, such as dexamethasone, is a common and evidence-based intervention for croup.
Corticosteroids reduce airway inflammation and edema, leading to symptom improvement.
A single dose of oral corticosteroids is often sufficient to manage croup symptoms effectively.
Choice E rationale:
Encouraging the child to cough loudly is not a recommended intervention for croup.
Coughing forcefully may exacerbate airway irritation and inflammation, worsening the child's symptoms.
Instead, interventions should focus on reducing airway edema and providing respiratory support.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A, “Your son has croup.”
Choice A rationale:
The symptoms described, including a barking cough, hoarseness, and inspiratory stridor, are classic signs of croup. Croup is a common respiratory condition in young children that leads to swelling of the larynx and trachea, causing the characteristic cough and stridor.
Choice B rationale:
While epiglottitis can present with respiratory distress, it is more commonly associated with high fever, severe sore throat, drooling, and difficulty swallowing, rather than a barking cough and stridor.
Choice C rationale:
Asthma typically presents with wheezing and difficulty exhaling, not the barking cough and inspiratory stridor seen in croup. Additionally, asthma is often associated with a history of allergies or atopic conditions, which are not mentioned in the scenario.
Choice D rationale:
Pneumonia usually presents with fever, cough producing phlegm, and crackles or wheezes on lung auscultation. The clear lungs on auscultation and the absence of productive cough make pneumonia less likely in this case.
In summary, the presentation of a barking cough, hoarseness, and inspiratory stridor in a young child who is in moderate respiratory distress with a recent onset of symptoms is most indicative of croup. This is supported by the age of the child and the clinical findings, which align with the typical presentation of croup.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
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.
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