A nurse is caring for a child with Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
The nurse knows that maintaining a patent airway is crucial in the management of this condition.
The child’s mother asks the nurse, “What can I do to help my child breathe better?” Which of the following responses by the nurse would be most appropriate?

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.

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.