A nurse is teaching a parent about the signs and symptoms of croup.
Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?
Select all that apply.
"Croup is a common viral infection of the upper respiratory tract that causes inflammation of the larynx.”..
"Croup is most common in children under the age of 3.”..
"The symptoms of croup usually appear at night.”..
"The classic croup cough is described as a barking cough.”..
"Croup can be treated with over-the-counter medications, such as cough syrup and expectorants.”..
Correct Answer : A,B,C,D
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The nurse should assess the degree of airway obstruction to determine the severity of respiratory distress.
Choice A rationale:
Assessing the child's height and weight is important for overall health assessment but does not specifically determine the severity of respiratory distress in croup.
Respiratory distress is primarily evaluated by assessing airway patency, effort of breathing, and oxygenation.
Choice B rationale:
The child's vaccination history is crucial for preventing certain infectious diseases, but it does not directly assess the severity of respiratory distress in croup.
Croup is commonly caused by viral infections such as parainfluenza viruses.
Choice C rationale:
Assessing the degree of airway obstruction is essential in determining the severity of respiratory distress in croup.
Children with croup often present with stridor, a high-pitched sound heard during inspiration, indicating partial airway obstruction.
The severity of stridor, along with signs of increased work of breathing, provides valuable information about the child's respiratory status.
Choice D rationale:
The child's social activities are not directly related to the assessment of respiratory distress in croup.
While social history is important in a comprehensive nursing assessment, it does not provide specific information about the severity of airway obstruction in croup.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
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.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
