A 3‑year‑old child is hospitalized with a diagnosis of viral…
A 3‑year‑old child is hospitalized with a diagnosis of viral croup and has been receiving nebulized racemic epinephrine and corticosteroids. Over the past 12 hours, the child’s fever has increased and the work of breathing has worsened. Suctioning now returns large amounts of thick, purulent tracheal secretions, and there is minimal improvement after croup treatments. Which conclusion is most appropriate for the nurse to report to the provider?