A visibly upset patient is in respiratory distress due to croup. How should you approach treatment?

In cases of croup, patients typically present with respiratory distress and stridor, often due to inflammation of the upper airways. A key aspect of managing these patients is to ensure they feel supported and calm, as anxiety can exacerbate respiratory distress. Providing reassurance helps to reduce the patient's anxiety, which can improve their respiratory effort.

Monitoring vital signs is critical, as it allows for assessment of the patient's condition and response to treatment. This approach prioritizes the immediate comfort and emotional state of the patient, while also keeping a close eye on their physiological status, which is essential in managing any acute respiratory condition.

While options like administering bronchodilators or steroids can play significant roles in the treatment of other respiratory conditions, croup typically benefits from supportive care and not immediate pharmacological intervention unless the condition worsens. Utilizing a nebulizer may provide humidified air, but it may not be the most effective immediate treatment approach, as the main focus should be on reassurance and vital sign monitoring.