Page 1024 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

8. Administer analgesics as prescribed to reduce fever.

9. Teach the parents to avoid administering

cough syrups or cold medicines, which may dry and
thicken secretions.
10. Administer corticosteroids if prescribed to reduce
inflammation and edema.
11. Administer antibiotics as prescribed, noting that they
are not indicated unless a bacterial infection is
present.
12. Heliox (mixture of helium and oxygen) may be
prescribed.
13. Have resuscitation equipment available.
14. Provide appropriate reassurance and education to the
parents or caregivers.

Isolation precautions should be implemented for a hospitalized

child with an upper respiratory infection until the cause of the infection is
known.
III. Bronchitis
A. Description
1. Inflammation of the trachea and bronchi; may be
referred to as tracheobronchitis
2. Usually occurs in association with an upper
respiratory infection
3. Is usually a mild disorder; causative agent is most
often viral
B. Assessment
1. Fever
2. Dry, hacking, and nonproductive cough that is worse
at night and becomes productive in 2 to 3 days
C. Interventions
1. Treat symptoms as necessary.
2. Monitor for respiratory distress.
3. Provide cool, humidified air to the child.
4. Encourage increased fluid intake; child may

drink beverages that he or she likes as long as the
respiratory status is stable.
5. Administer antipyretics for fever as prescribed.
6. A cough suppressant may be prescribed to promote
rest.
IV. Bronchiolitis and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
A. Description
1. Bronchiolitis is an inflammation of the bronchioles that
causes production of thick mucus that occludes

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