Page 1025 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

bronchiole tubes and small bronchi.
2. RSV causes an acute viral infection and is a common
cause of bronchiolitis (other organisms that cause
bronchiolitis include adenoviruses, parainfluenza
viruses, and human metapneumovirus).

3. RSV is highly communicable and is usually

transferred via droplets or by direct contact with
respiratory secretions.
4. RSV occurs primarily in the fall, winter, and spring.
5. RSV is rarer in children older than 2 years, with a peak
incidence at approximately 6 months of age.
6. At-risk children include children who have a chronic
or disabling condition and those who are
immunocompromised.

7. Identification of the virus is done via testing of

nasal or nasopharyngeal secretions.
8. Prevention measures include encouraging breast-
feeding; avoiding tobacco smoke exposure; using
good hand-washing techniques.
9. Administering palivizumab, a monoclonal antibody,
to high-risk infants. See American Academy of
Pediatrics for further information about palivizumab
at
http://www.aappublications.org/news/2017/10/19/RSV101917
B. Assessment (Box 35-2)

C. Interventions
1. For a child with bronchiolitis, interventions are aimed
at treating symptoms and include airway
maintenance, cool humidified air and oxygen,
adequate fluid intake, and medications.

2. For a hospitalized child with RSV, place the

child in a single room to prevent transmission of the
virus.

3. Ensure that nurses caring for a child with RSV

do not care for other high-risk children.

4. Use contact, droplet, and standard precautions

during care; using good hand-washing techniques is
necessary.
5. Monitor airway status and maintain a patent airway.

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