A client’s infant has been diagnosed with RSV infection and is exhibiting signs of respiratory distress including wheezing and tachypnea.
The nurse explains to the client that these symptoms are likely due to bronchiolitis or pneumonia, which are common complications of RSV infection in children younger than age 3.
Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the infant’s condition?
“I should expect my baby’s symptoms to resolve in about 10 days.”.
“I should bring my baby back to the hospital if he develops a fever.”.
“I should give my baby over-the-counter cold medicine to relieve his symptoms.”.
“I should keep my baby away from his older siblings until he recovers.”..
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
The nurse should educate the client about the expected course of RSV infection in infants.
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) infection can lead to complications such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia, especially in children under the age of 3.
Symptoms like wheezing and tachypnea are indicative of respiratory distress.
Educating the client about the expected duration of the symptoms is crucial.
The client needs to understand that the baby's symptoms may last for about 10 days, and this is a common timeframe for the resolution of RSV infection in infants.
This information helps manage the client's expectations and reduces anxiety.
Choice B rationale:
While fever can be a sign of infection, it is not the most pertinent symptom to monitor in this case.
The primary concern is the respiratory distress caused by bronchiolitis or pneumonia.
While fever might indicate worsening infection, it is not the most relevant information in this context.
Choice C rationale:
Over-the-counter cold medicine is generally not recommended for infants and young children due to the risk of side effects.
Moreover, these medications may not be effective in managing the specific symptoms caused by RSV infection.
Advising the client to administer such medication could be harmful and is not an appropriate response.
Choice D rationale:
While it is essential to prevent the spread of RSV infection, especially among siblings, this choice does not address the client's understanding of the infant's condition.
The primary concern here is the client's grasp of the infant's symptoms and the expected course of the illness, which is best addressed by choice A.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
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.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Isolating the child from other children or adults with respiratory infections is crucial in preventing the spread of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
RSV is highly contagious and spreads through respiratory droplets.
By isolating the infected child, the nurse helps prevent the transmission of the virus to others.
Choice B rationale:
Using contact precautions such as gown and gloves when caring for the child is essential to prevent the spread of RSV.
Direct contact with respiratory secretions can easily lead to transmission.
Wearing protective gear like gowns and gloves creates a barrier, reducing the risk of contamination and spread.
Choice C rationale:
Encouraging frequent hand hygiene is a fundamental preventive measure.
RSV can survive on surfaces for several hours, so regular handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds can help eliminate the virus from hands, reducing the risk of infection.
Choice E rationale:
Avoiding exposure to tobacco smoke is important because smoke irritates the respiratory tract, making individuals more susceptible to respiratory infections like RSV.
Secondhand smoke can also worsen symptoms in infected individuals and increase the severity of the illness.
Choice D rationale:
Allowing siblings to share toys and utensils with the infected child is not recommended.
RSV spreads through respiratory droplets and direct contact with contaminated surfaces.
Sharing toys and utensils can facilitate the transmission of the virus to other children, increasing the risk of infection.
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