A nurse is assessing a 3-year-old toddler diagnosed with bronchitis. Which clinical finding should prompt the nurse to anticipate a prescription for a chest x- ray?

A. The toddler is coughing intermittently without respiratory distress: Intermittent coughing without additional concerning signs is typical of viral bronchitis and does not usually require imaging. Supportive care is often sufficient in these cases. B. The toddler has a persistent high fever and audible crackles on lung auscultation: Persistent high fever and crackles may indicate a bacterial infection or pneumonia rather than simple bronchitis. A chest x-ray is warranted to evaluate for lung consolidation or other complications and guide treatment. C. The toddler has a normal oxygen saturation and clear lung sounds: Normal oxygen levels and clear lungs suggest mild illness that does not necessitate imaging. Routine bronchitis is often managed without a chest x-ray in this scenario. D. The toddler has mild nasal congestion and occasional wheezing: These findings are common in viral respiratory infections and mild bronchitis. They are not indications for a chest x-ray unless symptoms worsen or fail to improve.