Common Pediatric Conditions > Pediatrics
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RSV in children
Total Questions : 14
Showing 14 questions, Sign in for moreThe nurse wants to emphasize the importance of prevention, especially in the winter and early spring months.
Which of the following statements would be most effective for the nurse to use?
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.
The client is particularly concerned about how long the virus can survive on surfaces.
Which of the following responses from the nurse would be most accurate?
Explanation
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.
Which of the following findings should alert the nurse that the child may have RSV? (Select all that apply).
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
This statement is incorrect.
A history of recurrent pneumonia is not a specific indicator of RSV infection.
RSV primarily affects the respiratory system, causing symptoms such as cough, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.
Choice B rationale:
This is a correct answer.
RSV symptoms typically appear 2 to 5 days after exposure.
Including this option helps identify the duration of symptoms, which is relevant to diagnosing RSV.
Choice C rationale:
This is a correct answer.
RSV commonly presents with symptoms like high fever and severe cough.
Recognizing these symptoms can help healthcare providers consider RSV as a possible diagnosis.
Choice D rationale:
This is a correct answer.
RSV can lead to bronchiolitis, which is inflammation of the small airways in the lungs.
Diagnosing a child with bronchiolitis can raise suspicion of RSV infection.
Choice E rationale:
This statement is incorrect.
A history of bacterial infections is not specific to RSV and does not provide relevant information for identifying RSV infection in this context.
The client is concerned about the risk of transmission to their young grandchildren.
Which of the following statements should the nurse make?
Explanation
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.
Which of the following explanations should the nurse provide?
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
RSV infects the squamous epithelial cells of your bronchioles, alveoli, and nasal passages.
This statement is accurate.
RSV primarily targets the respiratory tract, infecting the cells lining the bronchioles, alveoli, and nasal passages.
This infection can lead to symptoms ranging from mild cold-like symptoms to severe respiratory distress, particularly in young children and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Choice B rationale:
RSV does not cause the immune system to attack the body's own cells.
It primarily targets the respiratory system, leading to respiratory symptoms.
Autoimmune responses are not associated with RSV infections.
Choice C rationale:
RSV does not lead to an overproduction of red blood cells.
This statement is incorrect and not related to the pathophysiology of RSV infections.
Choice D rationale:
RSV does not cause the body to stop producing white blood cells.
White blood cells play a crucial role in the immune response, and stopping their production would severely compromise the body's ability to fight infections.
RSV primarily affects the respiratory system and does not directly impact white blood cell production.
The child’s mother reports that the child has had a runny nose, fever, and decreased appetite for the past two days.
The nurse notes that the child appears irritable and has a persistent cough.
Based on these symptoms, the nurse suspects that the child’s illness may progress to bronchiolitis or pneumonia, which could cause more severe respiratory distress.
What statement should the nurse make to educate the mother about the potential progression of RSV infection?
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Your child may start to experience difficulty breathing.
This statement is accurate and crucial for the mother to be aware of.
RSV infections can progress to bronchiolitis or pneumonia, leading to more severe respiratory distress.
Difficulty breathing is a common symptom in these advanced stages of the infection, indicating the need for immediate medical attention.
Choice B rationale:
While a decreased appetite is a symptom mentioned in the scenario, it does not reflect the potential progression of RSV infection.
The focus should be on respiratory symptoms, which can indicate worsening conditions.
Choice C rationale:
Drowsiness is not a typical symptom of RSV progression.
Respiratory distress, such as difficulty breathing, is a more concerning sign and requires prompt medical evaluation.
Choice D rationale:
Developing a high fever is a general symptom of various infections, including RSV.
While fever is a concern, the scenario specifically mentions symptoms related to the respiratory system, making difficulty breathing a more relevant and specific warning sign for the mother to be aware of.
The client is worried about the child’s persistent cough and decreased appetite.
The nurse explains that in children younger than age 3, RSV infection can progress to bronchiolitis or pneumonia, causing more severe respiratory distress.
What statement should the nurse make to reassure the client about the management of these potential complications?
Explanation
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.
The nurse notes that the child’s respiratory rate is 35 breaths per minute, oxygen saturation is 96%, pH is 7.38, and PaCO2 is 40.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take based on these results? (Select all that apply).
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Continuing to monitor the child’s respiratory rate is essential.
The nurse should closely observe the child's respiratory status to detect any changes.
Monitoring helps in assessing the effectiveness of interventions and identifying any worsening of the condition promptly.
Choice B rationale:
Administering supplemental oxygen is appropriate in this situation because the child's oxygen saturation is 96%, which indicates that the child is not receiving adequate oxygen.
Supplemental oxygen helps maintain appropriate oxygen levels and prevents hypoxia.
Choice C rationale:
Reassessing the child’s oxygen saturation in one hour is a good nursing practice to ensure that the child's respiratory status remains stable or improves.
Regular reassessment allows for timely adjustments in the treatment plan if needed.
Choice D rationale:
While the pH value is within the normal range (7.35-7.45), it is essential to consider the entire clinical picture.
The nurse should continue to monitor the child's respiratory status and other parameters.
Notification to the healthcare provider may be necessary if there are significant changes in the child's condition, but the pH value alone does not warrant immediate notification.
Choice E rationale:
Immediate intubation based solely on the elevated PaCO2 is not indicated.
The child's PaCO2 of 40 mmHg falls within the normal range (35-45 mmHg) for a 3-year-old.
Intubation is a significant intervention and should be considered based on the overall clinical assessment, including the child's respiratory distress, oxygen saturation, and other vital signs.
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?
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Administering bronchodilators as prescribed is appropriate for managing severe respiratory distress and wheezing in children with RSV infection.
Bronchodilators help dilate the airways, making it easier for the child to breathe.
This intervention addresses one of the specific symptoms mentioned in the scenario.
Choice B rationale:
Encouraging fluid intake is important to prevent dehydration, especially in children with respiratory infections.
It helps maintain hydration status, which is essential for overall health.
While important, this choice alone does not address the severe respiratory distress symptoms mentioned in the scenario.
Choice C rationale:
Monitoring oxygen saturation levels is crucial in children with RSV infection, especially when they exhibit symptoms of severe respiratory distress such as wheezing, retractions, nasal flaring, tachypnea, and cyanosis.
Monitoring oxygen saturation helps assess the child's oxygenation status and guides interventions such as oxygen therapy.
Choice D rationale:
The correct answer is choice D, “All of these.”.
This is because all the interventions mentioned in choices A, B, and C are appropriate and necessary for managing severe respiratory distress in a toddler with RSV infection.
Administering bronchodilators addresses airway constriction and wheezing, encouraging fluid intake prevents dehydration, and monitoring oxygen saturation levels ensures appropriate oxygenation, allowing comprehensive care for the child’s condition.
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?
Explanation
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.
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?
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Keeping the child calm and comfortable is generally advisable, but in the context of RSV infection, maintaining a patent airway is crucial.
While comfort measures are essential, this choice does not directly address the mother's query regarding improving the child's breathing.
Choice B rationale:
This is The correct answer because suctioning the child's nose and mouth as needed helps in removing secretions, thus maintaining a clear airway.
RSV infection often leads to increased mucus production, which can obstruct the airways, making it difficult for the child to breathe.
By suctioning secretions, the mother can help her child breathe more comfortably, which is essential in managing RSV infection.
Choice C rationale:
Over-the-counter cold medicine is generally not recommended for infants and young children due to the risk of adverse effects.
Additionally, these medications may not specifically address the underlying cause of respiratory distress in RSV infection.
Choice D rationale:
Avoiding feeding the child until their breathing improves is not appropriate advice.
Nutrition is essential, especially for infants, and withholding feeding could lead to dehydration and other complications.
It is important to maintain adequate nutrition while managing the respiratory distress caused by RSV infection.
The client is concerned about the risk of dehydration for their child.
The nurse reassures the client by saying which of the following?
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
This is The correct answer because it addresses the client's concern about dehydration.
Infants and young children with RSV infection are at risk of dehydration due to increased respiratory effort, fever, and decreased oral intake.
Encouraging oral fluids or providing intravenous fluids as prescribed helps prevent dehydration, ensuring the child remains hydrated during the illness.
Choice B rationale:
While adequate fluid intake is essential, stating a specific quantity like 8 glasses of water a day is not appropriate for infants and young children.
The fluid requirements vary based on the child's age, weight, and overall health condition.
Providing a specific quantity without proper assessment can be misleading and may not meet the child's individual needs.
Choice C rationale:
Limiting the child's fluid intake to prevent overhydration is not the primary concern in this context.
Dehydration due to increased respiratory effort and decreased oral intake is a more significant concern.
Adequate hydration is crucial in preventing complications associated with dehydration.
Choice D rationale:
Restricting the child to clear liquids only is not appropriate, especially in the context of RSV infection.
While clear liquids are essential, they may not provide adequate nutrition.
Maintaining appropriate oral intake, which includes a variety of fluids and, if possible, nutritionally balanced foods, is important for the child's overall well-being during the illness.
Which of the following instructions should the nurse include? (Select all that apply).
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.
Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
Explanation
Choice B rationale:
Offering frequent small feedings of breast milk or formula to maintain nutrition is an appropriate response.
Infants with RSV may experience decreased appetite and difficulty feeding due to respiratory distress.
Providing small, frequent feedings ensures that the infant receives adequate nutrition and hydration despite reduced intake during each feeding session.
Choice A rationale:
Giving the baby aspirin if they develop a fever is not recommended.
Aspirin use in children with viral infections like RSV has been associated with Reye's syndrome, a severe and potentially fatal condition.
Acetaminophen or ibuprofen, if appropriate for the child's age, can be used to manage fever and discomfort.
Choice C rationale:
Keeping the baby in a flat position to promote comfort is not advisable.
Elevating the head of the crib or bassinet slightly can help improve breathing and reduce nasal congestion in infants with respiratory infections, promoting better comfort and easier breathing.
Choice D rationale:
Stopping all feedings if the baby seems to be having trouble breathing is not The correct approach.
Adequate nutrition is crucial for the infant's overall health and recovery.
Instead, the caregiver should seek medical advice if the baby experiences significant difficulty breathing or feeding.
Adjustments in feeding techniques or temporary alternative feeding methods may be recommended under medical supervision.
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