A 4-year-old child is being discharged from the hospital after being treated for severe croup.
Which one of the following instructions should the nurse give to the child’s mother for the home treatment of croup?
A . Take him in the bathroom, turn on the hot water, and close the door.
B . Give him a dose of antihistamine.
C . Give large amounts of clear liquids if drooling occurs.
D . Place him near a cool mist vaporizer and encourage crying.
Answer: A
Explanation:
(A) Initial home treatment of croup includes placing the child in an environment of high humidity to liquefy and mobilize secretions.
(B) Antihistamines should be avoided because they can cause thickening of secretions.
(C) Drooling is a characteristic sign of airway obstruction and the child should be taken directly to the emergency room.
(D) Crying increases respiratory distress and hypoxia in the child with croup. The nurse should promote methods that will calm the child.