A nurse is caring for a 4-year-old child who has been diagnosed with rotavirus gastroenteritis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? (Select all that apply.)

Choice A reason: This is not a priority intervention. The nurse should encourage oral fluids and soft foods to prevent dehydration and maintain nutrition, but this is not as important as monitoring the child for respiratory distress.

Choice B reason: This is an incorrect intervention. The nurse should not administer antitussive medication to a child who has pertussis, because it can suppress the cough reflex and increase the risk of mucus accumulation and airway obstruction.

Choice C reason: This is not a priority intervention. The nurse should provide humidified oxygen via nasal cannula to moisten the airways and ease breathing, but this is not as important as monitoring the child for respiratory distress.

Choice D reason: This is a priority intervention. The nurse should monitor the child for signs of respiratory distress, such as cyanosis, tachypnea, retractions, or nasal flaring, because pertussis can cause severe coughing spells that can interfere with breathing.

Choice A reason: This is a correct statement. The infectious agent is the microorganism that causes the disease, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites.

Choice B reason: This is a correct statement. The reservoir is where the microorganism lives and grows, such as humans, animals, plants, soil, or water.

Choice C reason: This is an incorrect statement. The portal of exit is how the microorganism leaves the body of the reservoir, not how it enters the body of the host. The portal of entry is how the microorganism enters the body of the host.

Choice D reason: This is a correct statement. The susceptible host is someone who is at risk for getting the infection, such as children, elderly, immunocompromised, or malnourished people.