A nurse is assessing a 5-month-old infant. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

Choice A Reason:

Insert an IV catheter for the toddler. While establishing IV access is important for administering medications and fluids, in this scenario, securing the airway takes precedence due to the immediate threat to the child's ability to breathe. Intubation to ensure a clear airway and adequate oxygenation is more critical at this moment.

Choice B Reason:

Prepare the toddler for nasotracheal intubation. These symptoms—hyperpyrexia, severe dyspnea, and drooling—can be indicative of epiglottitis, a potentially life-threatening condition where the airway can become severely compromised due to swelling of the epiglottis. Immediate intervention to secure the airway is crucial in such cases to ensure the child can breathe adequately.

While obtaining an IV catheter, blood culture, and administering antibiotics are important in managing the condition, securing the airway takes precedence in this critical situation to maintain the child's breathing and prevent further respiratory compromise.

Choice C Reason:

Obtain a blood culture from the toddler. Obtaining a blood culture is an essential diagnostic step in identifying potential infections or causes but is not the immediate priority when a child is experiencing severe respiratory distress. Stabilizing the airway and breathing take precedence in this critical situation.

Choice D Reason:

Administer an antibiotic to the toddler. Administering antibiotics might be part of the treatment plan, especially if an infection is suspected, but in an emergent situation where the airway is compromised, securing the airway is the primary concern to ensure the child's ability to breathe and maintain oxygenation.

Choice A Reason:

Tachypnea is correct .Tachypnea, which refers to rapid breathing, especially when associated with respiratory distress or difficulty in breathing, can be concerning in infants with RSV infection. It could indicate respiratory compromise or worsening of the condition, requiring prompt medical attention and intervention.

Choice B Reason:

Pharyngitis (sore throat) is incorrect. While pharyngitis can be uncomfortable for the infant, it's a common symptom of RSV and may not always indicate an immediate worsening of the condition or respiratory compromise requiring urgent reporting.

Choice C Reason:

Rhinorrhea (runny nose) is incorrect. Similarly, rhinorrhea or a runny nose is a typical symptom of RSV and often occurs in viral respiratory infections without necessarily signaling an immediate need for intervention or urgent reporting.

Choice D Reason:

Coughing is incorrect. Coughing is also a common symptom of RSV and may not always indicate an immediate need for reporting unless it becomes severe or is associated with respiratory distress.