A nurse is educating parents of a child with croup about the signs and symptoms.
Which clinical manifestations should the nurse include in the teaching? Select all that apply.
High fever.
Inspiratory stridor.
Barking cough.
Wheezing.
Respiratory distress.
Correct Answer : B,C,E
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]
Explanation
The correct answers are Choices A, B, C, and D.
Choice A rationale: Croup is typically caused by viral pathogens like parainfluenza, leading to inflammation of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi, resulting in airway narrowing and characteristic respiratory symptoms.
Choice B rationale: Croup most commonly affects children aged 6 months to 3 years due to their narrower airways and immature immune systems, making them more susceptible to upper airway obstruction.
Choice C rationale: Croup symptoms often worsen at night due to circadian variations in airway tone and increased mucus production, contributing to nocturnal stridor and respiratory distress.
Choice D rationale: The hallmark symptom of croup is a barking cough, resembling a seal’s bark, caused by turbulent airflow through an inflamed and narrowed upper airway, especially near the cricoid cartilage.
Choice E rationale: Over-the-counter cough syrups and expectorants are contraindicated in croup; they do not address airway inflammation and may worsen symptoms or delay appropriate treatment like corticosteroids or nebulized epinephrine.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
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.
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