Question

A child with croup is being discharged from the hospital. The nurse provides home care instructions to the mother and advises the mother to bring the child to the emergency department if the child:

a) Has a persistent barking cough at night
b) Exhibits a low-grade fever
c) Shows improvement in breathing
d) Has mild stridor with agitation

Answer 1

The nurse advises the mother to bring the child to the emergency department if the child has a persistent barking cough at night.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse advises the mother to bring the child to the emergency department if the child has a persistent barking cough at night. This symptom suggests that the child's condition may be worsening and requires immediate medical attention. The persistent barking cough at night is characteristic of croup, a viral respiratory infection that affects the upper airway and causes inflammation and narrowing of the airway.