Paeds Cases · respiratory-sleep-and-airway
Explain croup and its home care to a worried parent — OSCE
OSCE communication and shared-planning station: explaining croup to a frightened parent, why a single steroid dose is enough, why humidified steam is not recommended, what to watch for at home, and when to return urgently.
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You are the paediatric registrar. A 2-year-old boy with moderate croup was given a single dose of oral dexamethasone two hours ago and has settled — no stridor at rest, happy and drinking. His mother has ten minutes with you before discharge. She wants to understand, in plain language: (1) what croup is; (2) why he is going home after "only one dose"; (3) whether she should steam up the bathroom or buy a humidifier; and (4) exactly what to watch for and when to come back. Explain with empathy, check understanding, and agree a clear plan. [1]
References4ShowHide
- [1]Bjornson CL, Johnson DW. Croup Lancet, 2008.PMID 18295000
- [2]Gates A, Gates M, Vandermeer B, et al. Glucocorticoids for croup in children Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2018.PMID 30133690
- [3]Johnson DW. Croup BMJ Clin Evid, 2014.PMID 25263284
- [4]Bjornson CL, Klassen TP, Williamson J, et al. A randomized trial of a single dose of oral dexamethasone for mild croup N Engl J Med, 2004.PMID 15385657