Today’s NCLEX-RN® question of the day focuses on the pathological changes noted on an X-ray for a client with croup and pneumonia. Can you figure it out?
The nurse is educating a newly graduated nurse about the pathological changes noted on an X-ray for a client with croup and pneumonia. Which anatomical location should the nurse refer to when discussing the pattern known as a “steeple sign”?
A. Below the vocal cords
B. Mainstem bronchi
C. Bases of the lungs
D. Pharynx
Scroll down for the correct answer!
The correct answer to today’s NCLEX-RN® Question is…
A. Below the vocal cords
Rationale: The pattern known as the “steeple sign” is noted below the vocal cords.
Major Takeaway
Although a chest X-ray is not a diagnostic tool for croup; it is performed if there is concern about other serious problems, such as pneumonia. For a client with both croup and pneumonia, a chest X-ray will often reveal a pattern known as a “steeple sign”, which is an inverted V-shape resembling a church steeple, visualized below the vocal cords. This finding occurs as a result of the narrowing of the subglottic airway.
Incorrect answer explanations
B. Mainstem bronchi
Rationale: The pattern known as the “steeple sign” does not occur in the mainstem bronchi.
C. Bases of the lungs
Rationale: The pattern known as the “steeple sign” does not occur in the bases of the lungs.
D. Pharynx
Rationale: The pattern known as the “steeple sign” does not occur in the pharynx.
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