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Croup — MCCQE Part 1 MCQ

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ModerateSore ThroatCroupMCCQE Part 1

A 3-year-old boy presents at night with barking cough, hoarse voice and inspiratory stridor at rest. He is alert, oxygen saturation is 96%, and there is mild sternal indrawing. What is the most appropriate next step in management?

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Correct answer: D — Give dexamethasone and nebulised epinephrine with observation

Stridor at rest indicates at least moderate croup, for which dexamethasone and nebulised epinephrine with observation are appropriate. Throat instrumentation can worsen upper airway obstruction if epiglottitis is possible. Salbutamol treats lower-airway bronchospasm and is not first-line for croup.

Reference: CPS Position Statement—Acute management of croup