The parent of a hospitalized 2-year-old child with viral laryngotracheobronchitis (croup) asks the nurse why the pediatrician did not prescribe antibiotics. Which response would the nurse make?

A. That lethargy and vomiting are normal with mumps:
Incorrect: Lethargy and vomiting are not typical symptoms of mumps. These symptoms could indicate a separate issue that requires medical attention.
B. To continue to monitor the child:
Incorrect: Given the reported symptoms of lethargy and vomiting, a passive approach of continuing to monitor may delay necessary medical intervention. The child should be assessed promptly.
C. To bring the child to the clinic to be seen by the pediatrician:
Correct Answer: Lethargy and vomiting are not typical symptoms of uncomplicated mumps. These symptoms could be indicative of other issues, and it's important for the pediatrician to evaluate the child to determine the cause and provide appropriate care.
D. That there is nothing to be concerned about as long as there is no fever:
Incorrect: While fever is a common symptom of mumps, the absence of fever does not negate the need for further evaluation when there are concerning symptoms like lethargy and vomiting. The child should be seen by a healthcare provider to determine the cause of these symptoms.

A. "The manifestations are lessened by taking the prednisone every other day instead of daily."
Correct Answer: Cushingoid characteristics can be associated with long-term corticosteroid use. Taking prednisone every other day, rather than daily, can help minimize these manifestations while still providing the needed therapeutic effect.
B. "You need to be sure to talk to the doctor about the Cushingoid characteristics."
Incorrect: While it is important for the parents to communicate with the doctor, this statement is less therapeutic than option 3, which opens up a more collaborative and supportive conversation.
C. "Which manifestations of this condition do you find most troublesome?"
Correct Answer: This open-ended question allows the parents to express their concerns and frustrations. It facilitates communication between the parents and healthcare provider to address specific issues they find most troublesome.
D. "I am sure it will be all right; they hardly look unusual."
Incorrect: Downplaying the parents' concerns may not be the most therapeutic approach. Acknowledging their concerns and providing information about the reversible nature of cushingoid characteristics would be more helpful.
E. "The cushingoid appearance will gradually disappear once the corticosteroids are tapered and discontinued."
Correct Answer: Cushingoid characteristics are reversible, and they tend to improve as the dose of corticosteroids is tapered and eventually discontinued.