Question

A 3-year-old boy in respiratory distress is treated in the emergency department. A diagnosis of acute spasmodic laryngitis (spasmodic croup) is made. At the time of discharge, the mother asks how to handle another attack at home. What should the nurse recommend?

1) Placing him near a cool-mist humidifier
2) Bringing him to the emergency department
3) Giving him an over-the-counter cough syrup
4) Offering him warm tea sweetened with honey

Answer 1

For a child with acute spasmodic laryngitis, the nurse should recommend using a cool-mist humidifier and seeking medical attention if the child is in significant distress or home treatments are ineffective.

Step-by-step explanation:

When handling another attack of acute spasmodic laryngitis at home, the nurse should recommend placing the child near a cool-mist humidifier. This measure can soothe the breathing airways and alleviate the symptoms. Over-the-counter cough syrups are generally not recommended, especially without consulting a healthcare provider, as they can suppress productive coughing which is necessary to clear mucus. Warm tea sweetened with honey might help older children with a cough, but honey should not be given to children under one year of age due to the risk of infantile botulism. In the case of a 3-year-old, the cautious use of honey may be considered, but it is not the primary recommendation for spasmodic laryngitis. Lastly, if the child is in significant distress or the home interventions are not effective, it is important to seek immediate medical attention by bringing the child to the emergency department.