Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN)

Which symptom is commonly associated with laryngotracheobronchitis (LTB) in children?

1. Inspiratory and expiratory wheezing to the lower lobes bilaterally

2. Seal-like cough occurring after eating

3. Difficulty breathing in cold air

4. Fever persisting for more than three days

The correct answer is: Inspiratory and expiratory wheezing to the lower lobes bilaterally

Laryngotracheobronchitis (LTB), more commonly known as croup, is characterized by a distinctive set of symptoms, one of which is a cough that resembles the sound of a seal barking. This symptom results from inflammation of the upper airways, particularly the larynx, trachea, and bronchi. The correct answer highlights the typical respiratory manifestation associated with LTB. The stridor or wheezing noted in LTB is primarily due to narrowing of the airway caused by inflammation. In croup, patients often present with a combination of a barking cough, stridor, and varying degrees of respiratory distress, which can result in wheezing sounds as air moves through constricted airways. Thus, inspiratory wheezing, which can be heard bilaterally if the condition is severe, is a hallmark of this respiratory illness. The other symptoms listed do not reflect the classic presentation or are not as characteristic of LTB. The seal-like cough specifically describes the distinctive cough seen in croup, making one option more fitted to the condition's profile compared to the ones focusing on other symptoms that may arise from different conditions or be less indicative of LTB.