Week 3 Sherpath: Common Infections Of The
Respiratory Tract Exam With Complete Solutions
A 13-month-old female is brought to the hospital because the parents suspect
spasmodic croup. What information would help the nurse determine appropriate
interventions for this child?
Select all that apply.
A. Family history
B. Onset of symptoms
C. Presence of mucus
D. Exposure to bacteria
E. When coughing occurs - ANSWER A, B, C and E
Family history
Because spasmodic croup may have a genetic predisposition, asking about
family history can help the nurse determine interventions for a 13-month-old
child with suspected croup.
Onset of symptoms
Because spasmodic croup usually has a sudden onset, asking about onset of
symptoms can help the nurse determine interventions for a 13-month-old child
with suspected croup.
Presence of mucus
Because spasmodic croup is associated with mucosal inflammation, asking
about presence of mucus can help the nurse determine interventions for a 13-
month-old child with suspected croup.
When coughing occurs
Because coughing with spasmodic croup usually occurs at night, asking when
coughing occurs can help the nurse determine interventions for a 13-month-old
child with suspected croup.
The nurse is caring for a 7-year-old child due to strident cough and irritability.
Upon exam, the nurse finds the child's epiglottis to be edematous and cherry
red, with vital signs readings of T = 100.9 oF, HR 100, RR 24, BP 100/70, O2 sat
95% on room air. Which action should the nurse take?
A. Assess lung sounds.
B. Administer amoxicillin.
C. Review arterial blood gas.
D. Apply oxygen via facemask. - ANSWER B. Administer amoxicillin.
, Child displays signs and symptoms indicative of epiglottitis, a bacterial infection
of the respiratory tract. Administration of antibiotic is a priority intervention for
this child, and it will be administered by IV route
The nurse is caring for child diagnosed with croup, who is now being
discharged. The parents are concerned and question the nurse about what to do
when they get home. Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?
A. "Observe for signs of respiratory distress."
B. "Give racemic epinephrine if stridor persists."
C. "Provide a sedative to help with sleep at night."
D. "Call back for antibiotics if the child has a fever." - ANSWER A. "Observe for
signs of respiratory distress."
Children with worsening symptoms may require hospitalization, so this is the
most appropriate response by the nurse.
The nurse is caring for a 2-month-old infant who presents with fever, breathing
difficulties, wheezing, persistent cough, and difficulty feeding. Which health
instructions by the nurse are appropriate to provide the parents?
Select all that apply.
A. Allow rest periods during the day.
B. Administer an antihistamine daily.
C. Offer the child's liquids frequently.
D. Use a humidifier in the child's room.
E. Give a cough suppressant every four hours. - ANSWER A, C and D
Allow rest periods during the day.
An infant with fever, breathing difficulties, wheezing, persistent cough, and
difficulty feeding has bronchiolitis. Allowing the infant enough rest periods
during the day is appropriate to promote recovery from bronchiolitis.
Offer the child's liquids frequently.
Providing fluids by offering the child's favorite drink in an infant with
bronchiolitis can prevent dehydration.
Use a humidifier in the child's room.
Using a humidifier in an infant with bronchiolitis is appropriate because it can
help loosen secretions.
A 3-year-old male presents with persistent coughing and a temperature of 101.8
oF. The parents report the child became sick over the past few days. The child is
now resting. Which action by the nurse is a priority?
A. Count respirations.
B. Obtain blood culture.
C. Apply humidified oxygen.
D. Administer acetaminophen. - ANSWER A. Count respirations.
Respiratory Tract Exam With Complete Solutions
A 13-month-old female is brought to the hospital because the parents suspect
spasmodic croup. What information would help the nurse determine appropriate
interventions for this child?
Select all that apply.
A. Family history
B. Onset of symptoms
C. Presence of mucus
D. Exposure to bacteria
E. When coughing occurs - ANSWER A, B, C and E
Family history
Because spasmodic croup may have a genetic predisposition, asking about
family history can help the nurse determine interventions for a 13-month-old
child with suspected croup.
Onset of symptoms
Because spasmodic croup usually has a sudden onset, asking about onset of
symptoms can help the nurse determine interventions for a 13-month-old child
with suspected croup.
Presence of mucus
Because spasmodic croup is associated with mucosal inflammation, asking
about presence of mucus can help the nurse determine interventions for a 13-
month-old child with suspected croup.
When coughing occurs
Because coughing with spasmodic croup usually occurs at night, asking when
coughing occurs can help the nurse determine interventions for a 13-month-old
child with suspected croup.
The nurse is caring for a 7-year-old child due to strident cough and irritability.
Upon exam, the nurse finds the child's epiglottis to be edematous and cherry
red, with vital signs readings of T = 100.9 oF, HR 100, RR 24, BP 100/70, O2 sat
95% on room air. Which action should the nurse take?
A. Assess lung sounds.
B. Administer amoxicillin.
C. Review arterial blood gas.
D. Apply oxygen via facemask. - ANSWER B. Administer amoxicillin.
, Child displays signs and symptoms indicative of epiglottitis, a bacterial infection
of the respiratory tract. Administration of antibiotic is a priority intervention for
this child, and it will be administered by IV route
The nurse is caring for child diagnosed with croup, who is now being
discharged. The parents are concerned and question the nurse about what to do
when they get home. Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?
A. "Observe for signs of respiratory distress."
B. "Give racemic epinephrine if stridor persists."
C. "Provide a sedative to help with sleep at night."
D. "Call back for antibiotics if the child has a fever." - ANSWER A. "Observe for
signs of respiratory distress."
Children with worsening symptoms may require hospitalization, so this is the
most appropriate response by the nurse.
The nurse is caring for a 2-month-old infant who presents with fever, breathing
difficulties, wheezing, persistent cough, and difficulty feeding. Which health
instructions by the nurse are appropriate to provide the parents?
Select all that apply.
A. Allow rest periods during the day.
B. Administer an antihistamine daily.
C. Offer the child's liquids frequently.
D. Use a humidifier in the child's room.
E. Give a cough suppressant every four hours. - ANSWER A, C and D
Allow rest periods during the day.
An infant with fever, breathing difficulties, wheezing, persistent cough, and
difficulty feeding has bronchiolitis. Allowing the infant enough rest periods
during the day is appropriate to promote recovery from bronchiolitis.
Offer the child's liquids frequently.
Providing fluids by offering the child's favorite drink in an infant with
bronchiolitis can prevent dehydration.
Use a humidifier in the child's room.
Using a humidifier in an infant with bronchiolitis is appropriate because it can
help loosen secretions.
A 3-year-old male presents with persistent coughing and a temperature of 101.8
oF. The parents report the child became sick over the past few days. The child is
now resting. Which action by the nurse is a priority?
A. Count respirations.
B. Obtain blood culture.
C. Apply humidified oxygen.
D. Administer acetaminophen. - ANSWER A. Count respirations.
