Croup — DipIMC MCQ

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

ModeratePaediatric and Obstetric EmergenciesCroupDipIMC

A 4-year-old has stridor at rest, barking cough and moderate recession at night. Saturations are 95% and he is alert. What is the most appropriate management?

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

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: D — Keep calm, give corticosteroid and arrange assessment

Explanation lettering: E = shown as B · D = shown as C · B = shown as D · C = shown as E

B is correct: Croup worsens with agitation; corticosteroid and calm handling are central, with escalation if severe. A is less suitable because pre-alert is needed when definitive teams must prepare; C is less suitable because a detailed survey is inappropriate before correcting an immediate threat; D is less suitable because it does not address the discriminator in the vignette; E is less suitable because it moves the patient before the decisive threat or destination issue is addressed. The most tempting alternative is therefore suboptimal because it either delays the time-critical pre-hospital intervention or sends the patient to the wrong level of care. The key DipIMC principle is focused cABCDE decision-making with early pre-alert, triage or retrieval escalation when the scene physiology demands it.

Reference: JRCALC Guidelines; Resuscitation Council UK Paediatric and Newborn Guidelines; NICE NG39