A nurse is caring for a 2-year-old with acute laryngotracheobronchitis using a cool mist humidifier. Which of the following findings indicates that the treatment has been effective?

A. Improved hydration is important for managing symptoms but is not directly related to the effectiveness of a cool mist humidifier. B. Stridor is a hallmark sign of airway obstruction and inflammation in laryngotracheobronchitis. A decrease in stridor indicates that the airways are less inflamed and the child is improving, which is a positive outcome of the humidification treatment. C. A barking cough is characteristic of croup (laryngotracheobronchitis), and while treatment may help reduce symptoms, it may not resolve completely with the use of a humidifier. D. While a decreased temperature may indicate improvement in a fever, it is not directly tied to the use of a humidifier. Stridor is a more specific sign of airway improvement in this condition.