A 6-year-old boy presents with a 2-day history of barking cough, hoarse voice and inspiratory stridor that is worse at night. He is afebrile, with mil...

Question

A 6-year-old boy presents with a 2-day history of barking cough, hoarse voice and inspiratory stridor that is worse at night. He is afebrile, with mild chest wall indrawing but no drooling or tripod position. Oxygen saturation is 96% on room air. What is the most appropriate initial treatment?

Accepted Answer

Oral dexamethasone and observation

Answer

Nebulised adrenaline and immediate intubation

Answer

Broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics

Answer

Urgent lateral neck X-ray

Answer

Throat swab for culture and no treatment

au-amc MCQ (SBA): Viral croup

A 6-year-old boy presents with a 2-day history of barking cough, hoarse voice and inspiratory stridor that is worse at night. He is afebrile, with mild chest wall indrawing but no drooling or tripod position. Oxygen saturation is 96% on room air. What is the most appropriate initial treatment?