A nurse is caring for a toddler who has been admitted with RSV infection.
The toddler’s symptoms include wheezing, retractions, nasal flaring, tachypnea, and cyanosis.
The nurse understands that these symptoms indicate severe respiratory distress, which is common in children younger than age 3 with RSV infection.
Which of the following interventions should be included in the toddler’s care plan?

Choice A rationale:

The nurse should reassure the client by stating, “We will monitor your child closely for any signs of respiratory distress.”.

This is the appropriate response because close monitoring is crucial in children with RSV infection, especially those younger than age 3.

Respiratory distress can rapidly progress in this age group, and early detection is essential for timely intervention.

Monitoring the child's respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and other respiratory symptoms allows healthcare providers to assess the severity of the condition and provide appropriate interventions promptly.

Choice B rationale:

While ensuring rest and fluids is generally good advice for managing various illnesses, it does not specifically address the client’s concerns about the potential complications of RSV infection, such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia leading to respiratory distress.

Choice C rationale:

Administering medication to reduce fever is not the most pertinent information in this scenario.

The primary concern for the client is the progression of RSV infection to severe respiratory distress, not fever reduction.

Choice D rationale:

Providing a special diet to improve appetite does not address the client’s concerns about the respiratory complications associated with RSV infection.

Respiratory distress is the main worry in this situation, and dietary changes are not the appropriate focus.

Choice A rationale:

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) primarily affects young children and infants, making them more vulnerable to severe complications.

Adults can also contract the virus, but it is most common and dangerous in children under one year old.

Therefore, stating that RSV is most common in adults is incorrect.

Choice B rationale:

RSV is most common in children under one year old, so your grandchildren could be at risk.

This statement is correct.

RSV is highly contagious and spreads through respiratory droplets.

Infants and young children are more prone to severe infections due to their underdeveloped immune systems.

Hence, the nurse should educate the client that their grandchildren, especially those under one year old, are at risk of contracting RSV.

Choice C rationale:

RSV does affect individuals with compromised immune systems, but it is not limited to them.

Children, especially those under one year old, are also highly susceptible to RSV infections.

Therefore, this statement is not comprehensive and accurate.

Choice D rationale:

RSV can be transmitted from person to person through respiratory secretions.

It is highly contagious, especially in crowded places like daycare centers and hospitals.

This statement is incorrect, as RSV transmission is well-documented.