Final answer:
A 2-year-old patient with a barking cough may have croup, a viral infection causing swelling in the upper respiratory tract.
Step-by-step explanation:
A 2-year-old patient who has been sick all day and now has a barking cough should be suspected to have croup. Croup is a viral infection that causes swelling of the upper respiratory tract, leading to a hoarse voice and a barking cough, which sounds like a seal.
It is important to note that epiglottitis, asthma, and chronic laryngospasm can also cause respiratory symptoms, but the specific symptom of a barking cough suggests croup as the most likely diagnosis.
Learn more about croup