Which diagnosis is most likely for a 2-year-old child presenting at night with a sudden onset “barky” cough, hoarse voice, and inspiratory stridor that worsens when agitated?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: Viral croup (laryngotracheobronchitis)
Viral croup is characterised by the classic triad of hoarseness, barky cough, and inspiratory stridor, especially in children aged about 6 months to 3 years.
Practice all 18 Pediatric Respiratory Disorders (Croup, RSV) questions
Keep practicing
More Pediatric Respiratory Disorders (Croup, RSV) questions
- In the outpatient or emergency setting for a child with mild croup (stridor only when upset, no distress at rest), which treatment is recom…
- What is a key nursing priority in the care of a hospitalised infant with RSV bronchiolitis?
- A child with moderate to severe croup (continuous stridor, retractions, hypoxia) would likely need which additional intervention?
- Which of the following is not generally recommended as routine therapy for typical bronchiolitis due to Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)?
- Which sign in an infant with suspected bronchiolitis should prompt urgent attention and possible escalation of care?
- A child with croup is brought by parents for home care. Which of the following instructions is most appropriate?