What medication should be given to a pediatric patient with stridor?

What medication should be given to a pediatric patient with stridor?

• A. Epinephrine 1:1000 3-5 mg SVN, if SpO2 <94%
• B. Oxygen by nasal cannula
• C. Dexamethasone 0.6 mg/kg IV
• D. Nebulized normal saline SVN

Answer: (D)

In pediatric stridor, initial pharmacologic care focuses on soothing and humidifying the airway to improve patency and comfort. Nebulized normal saline delivers moisture directly to the irritated airway, helping to moisten secretions and reduce airway irritation without causing systemic effects. This makes it a safe, straightforward option for a child with mild to moderate stridor, providing symptomatic relief while avoiding more aggressive therapies unless the situation worsens. Other treatments shown here are reserved for different scenarios or severities. Nebulized epinephrine is typically used for more significant airway obstruction with marked stridor at rest or severe distress and requires careful dosing and monitoring. Dexamethasone is important to reduce airway swelling in croup, but the question emphasizes a medication that can be given immediately for symptomatic relief, and corticosteroids may be used in addition to other measures. Oxygen is supportive care rather than a medication, provided if there is hypoxemia.

In pediatric stridor, initial pharmacologic care focuses on soothing and humidifying the airway to improve patency and comfort. Nebulized normal saline delivers moisture directly to the irritated airway, helping to moisten secretions and reduce airway irritation without causing systemic effects. This makes it a safe, straightforward option for a child with mild to moderate stridor, providing symptomatic relief while avoiding more aggressive therapies unless the situation worsens.

Other treatments shown here are reserved for different scenarios or severities. Nebulized epinephrine is typically used for more significant airway obstruction with marked stridor at rest or severe distress and requires careful dosing and monitoring. Dexamethasone is important to reduce airway swelling in croup, but the question emphasizes a medication that can be given immediately for symptomatic relief, and corticosteroids may be used in addition to other measures. Oxygen is supportive care rather than a medication, provided if there is hypoxemia.