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:

Keeping the child calm and comfortable is generally advisable, but in the context of RSV infection, maintaining a patent airway is crucial.

While comfort measures are essential, this choice does not directly address the mother's query regarding improving the child's breathing.

Choice B rationale:

This is The correct answer because suctioning the child's nose and mouth as needed helps in removing secretions, thus maintaining a clear airway.

RSV infection often leads to increased mucus production, which can obstruct the airways, making it difficult for the child to breathe.

By suctioning secretions, the mother can help her child breathe more comfortably, which is essential in managing RSV infection.

Choice C rationale:

Over-the-counter cold medicine is generally not recommended for infants and young children due to the risk of adverse effects.

Additionally, these medications may not specifically address the underlying cause of respiratory distress in RSV infection.

Choice D rationale:

Avoiding feeding the child until their breathing improves is not appropriate advice.

Nutrition is essential, especially for infants, and withholding feeding could lead to dehydration and other complications.

It is important to maintain adequate nutrition while managing the respiratory distress caused by RSV infection.

Choice A rationale:

This is The correct answer.

RSV can survive on hard surfaces for several days and on hands for several hours.

Providing this information addresses the client's concern about the virus's survivability on surfaces.

Choice B rationale:

This statement is incorrect.

RSV can survive on hard surfaces for a longer duration than just several hours.

Providing this incorrect information could lead to misunderstandings about RSV transmission.

Choice C rationale:

This statement is incorrect.

RSV can survive on surfaces, so stating that it cannot survive outside of the body would be inaccurate and misleading.

Choice D rationale:

This statement is incorrect.

RSV can be transmitted not only through direct contact with an infected person but also through contact with contaminated surfaces and respiratory droplets.