In assessing a 2-year-old with croup, which intervention is best for the practical nurse (PN) to implement?

The most appropriate intervention in the context of assessing a 2-year-old with croup is to administer a corticosteroid as prescribed. Croup is characterized by inflammation of the upper airway, often leading to a barking cough and difficulty breathing due to narrowing of the airway. Corticosteroids, such as dexamethasone, are effective in reducing inflammation and swelling in the airways, which helps to alleviate symptoms and prevent respiratory distress.

When treating croup, the priority is to address the underlying inflammation rather than merely providing comfort or distractions, which might not address the severity of the child's condition. While engaging the child in play can be beneficial for distraction and emotional support, it does not provide the necessary medical intervention required to treat the inflammation associated with croup.

In contrast, options like providing a cold compress or a warm bath may offer more comfort but lack clinical efficacy in addressing the symptoms of croup. It's essential to focus on evidence-based treatments that directly target the underlying issues, with corticosteroids being a cornerstone of management in such cases.