skip to main content

Croup — MCCQE Part 1 MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardWheezingCroupMCCQE Part 1

A 22-month-old with moderate croup receives dexamethasone and nebulized epinephrine. Stridor at rest resolves and work of breathing normalizes. The family lives nearby and can return promptly. What is the safest disposition plan?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A — Observe for three hours after epinephrine, then discharge if stable

Discharge after thirty minutes if stridor remains absent at rest: Immediate discharge risks rebound symptoms after the temporary vasoconstrictor effect resolves. Admit overnight after any epinephrine treatment, even after sustained recovery: Routine admission is unnecessary when symptoms remain resolved, hydration is adequate and reliable follow-up is available. Observe for three hours after epinephrine, then discharge if stable: Observation through the period when epinephrine wears off detects recurrent stridor before a safe discharge decision. Repeat epinephrine hourly for four doses before making a disposition decision: Scheduled repeated epinephrine is unnecessary in a clinically recovered child and may expose them to avoidable adverse effects. Begin oral amoxicillin and discharge after the first tolerated dose: Typical viral croup does not benefit from antibacterial treatment.

Reference: https://cps.ca/en/documents/position/acute-management-of-croup