What information should the nurse teach workers at a daycare center about RSV?

A. White blood cell (WBC) count, arterial blood gases (ABGs):WBC count helps assess the presence and severity of infection, while ABGs evaluate the patient’s oxygenation and gas exchange critical factors in pneumonia. These tests directly reflect respiratory function and the inflammatory response.

B. Complete blood count (CBC), urinalysis:While a CBC includes the WBC count, the rest of the values are not directly helpful in tracking pneumonia progression. A urinalysis assesses kidney and urinary tract health, not respiratory infection, so it is not essential.

C. Electrolytes, serum creatinine:These tests provide information on renal function and electrolyte balance, which may be relevant in complex cases but are not specific indicators of pneumonia status or treatment response.

D. Partial thromboplastin time (PTT), serum potassium:PTT evaluates clotting, and serum potassium assesses electrolyte balance. Neither test provides useful information about the progression or resolution of pneumonia.

A. A possible airway obstruction: The tripod positionis a classic sign of epiglottitis and indicates the child is attempting to maximize airway patency. This posture helps keep the airway open and suggests significant upper airway obstruction, requiring immediate intervention.

B. The presence of pain: While children with epiglottitis often experience throat pain, this posture is not primarily used to relieve pain. It is associated with efforts to ease breathing and maintain airflow in the face of an obstructed or narrowed airway.

C. Extreme fatigue: Fatigue may occur in respiratory illnesses, but the tripod position is an active posture that requires muscle engagement. It is not a typical sign of fatigue and more accurately reflects respiratory distress and airway compromise.

D. Dehydration: Dehydration may be present in epiglottitis due to poor oral intake, but it does not cause the child to assume the tripod position. The posture is a compensatory mechanism for airway obstruction, not a direct result of fluid imbalance.