Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse (CPEN) Practice Exam

At what age range does croup typically present?

1. 0-6 months

2. 6 months - 3 years

3. 3-5 years

4. 5-10 years

The correct answer is: 6 months - 3 years

Croup typically presents in children between the ages of 6 months to 3 years. This age range is significant because younger children have smaller airways, which makes them more susceptible to the inflammation and swelling in the larynx and subglottic area that characterizes croup. The condition is often caused by viral infections, particularly parainfluenza viruses, which are prevalent in young children. The clinical presentation of croup includes a characteristic barking cough, stridor, and hoarseness—symptoms that arise from airway narrowing due to inflammation. While croup can theoretically occur in older children, it is much less common, and the incidence significantly decreases after the age of 3. In contrast, infants younger than 6 months may not show the hallmark signs of croup due to their developmental stage and different respiratory vulnerabilities. Thus, the correct age range aligns with the typical epidemiology of the disease, emphasizing the vulnerability of toddlers to this respiratory condition.