A 2-year-old boy has barking cough, hoarse voice, and inspiratory stridor when agitated. Temperature is 38.0°C and oxygen saturation is 97%. He has

Question

A 2-year-old boy has barking cough, hoarse voice, and inspiratory stridor when agitated. Temperature is 38.0°C and oxygen saturation is 97%. He has no drooling, tripod positioning, or toxic appearance. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?

Accepted Answer

Give dexamethasone

Answer

Order routine CT neck

Answer

Perform throat examination with a tongue depressor

Answer

Give antibiotics as sole therapy

Answer

Start racemic epinephrine for home use

Croup — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

A 2-year-old boy has barking cough, hoarse voice, and inspiratory stridor when agitated. Temperature is 38.0°C and oxygen saturation is 97%. He has no drooling, tripod positioning, or toxic appearance. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?