A nurse is caring for a 2-year-old child who has been admitted with a suspected RSV infection.
The child’s mother reports that the child has had a runny nose, fever, and decreased appetite for the past two days.
The nurse notes that the child appears irritable and has a persistent cough.
Based on these symptoms, the nurse suspects that the child’s illness may progress to bronchiolitis or pneumonia, which could cause more severe respiratory distress.
What statement should the nurse make to educate the mother about the potential progression of RSV infection?

Choice A rationale:

This statement is incorrect.

RSV is most common in winter and early spring, not summer and fall.

Stating this misinformation would not effectively educate the parents about RSV prevention during the high-risk months.

Choice B rationale:

This is The correct answer.

RSV does occur in yearly outbreaks, especially in winter and early spring.

By emphasizing this, the nurse educates parents about the specific periods when they should take extra precautions to prevent RSV transmission.

Choice C rationale:

This statement is incorrect.

RSV is indeed seasonal, with higher incidence during the winter and early spring months.

Denying its seasonality would provide inaccurate information to the parents.

Choice D rationale:

This statement is incorrect.

RSV primarily affects infants and young children, not adults.

Providing this misinformation would not help parents understand the risks associated with RSV for their children.

Choice A rationale:

Your child may start to experience difficulty breathing.

This statement is accurate and crucial for the mother to be aware of.

RSV infections can progress to bronchiolitis or pneumonia, leading to more severe respiratory distress.

Difficulty breathing is a common symptom in these advanced stages of the infection, indicating the need for immediate medical attention.

Choice B rationale:

While a decreased appetite is a symptom mentioned in the scenario, it does not reflect the potential progression of RSV infection.

The focus should be on respiratory symptoms, which can indicate worsening conditions.

Choice C rationale:

Drowsiness is not a typical symptom of RSV progression.

Respiratory distress, such as difficulty breathing, is a more concerning sign and requires prompt medical evaluation.

Choice D rationale:

Developing a high fever is a general symptom of various infections, including RSV.

While fever is a concern, the scenario specifically mentions symptoms related to the respiratory system, making difficulty breathing a more relevant and specific warning sign for the mother to be aware of.