Case study: Child with worsening croup. A 3-year-old has a barking cough and hoarseness. Overnight the child develops stridor at rest and suprasternal retractions. Which finding in this case is the highest priority for the nurse to address first?

Question

Accepted Answer

A. upper-airway obstruction with worsening croup — In this case, the highest-priority finding is upper-airway obstruction with worsening croup because it most directly threatens safety or signals clinical deterioration.

Answer

B. mild rhinorrhea

Answer

C. sleepiness after a missed nap

Answer

D. request for a favorite toy