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Croup — History and Physical Exam — Clinical Pathway: Emergency Department and Inpatient

Croup Clinical Pathway — Emergency Department and Inpatient

History and Physical Exam

History
  • Duration of
    • Stridor
    • Cough
    • Hoarse voice
  • Fluctuation of symptoms over the course of the day
    • Croup is usually worse at night or when waking up from a nap
  • Hydration
  • History of sudden onset of choking (concern for foreign body)
  • Exposure to allergen
  • Exposure to heat, chemicals
  • PMH
    • Intubation, tracheostomy, airway/esophageal surgery
    • Prior croup
Physical Exam
  • VS, pulse oximetry
  • Overall appearance
  • Mental status
  • Respiratory status
    • Barky cough
    • Stridor
    • WOB (retractions, nasal flaring, grunting, accessory muscle use)
    • Aeration
    • Wheezing
    • Prolonged expiratory phase
    • Crackles
  • Hydration status
  • Symmetry on respiratory exam
  • Drooling or inability to swallow

 

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