Key Concepts & Definitions
This highly contagious virus infects the respiratory tract and can affect infants, adults, and the elderly.
What is respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)?
This common upper-airway symptom, marked by nasal discharge, is an early sign of RSV.
What is a runny nose?
Babies born early — before full term — fall into this high-risk category for severe RSV
What are premature newborns?
Since there is no quick cure for RSV, care is mostly this kind of approach — keeping the airway clear and maintaining hydration.
What is supportive care?
Getting this immunization is a key way to protect against RSV
What is the RSV vaccine?
This lower respiratory tract illness, caused by RSV, involves small airway obstruction and makes breathing harder, especially in infants.
What is bronchiolitis?
This elevated body temperature is a classic symptom of RSV.
What is a fever?
Infants below this age are especially fragile and at higher risk for severe RSV.
What is 6 months old?
This antiviral medication is used in severe, high-risk cases to treat bronchiolitis caused by RSV.
What is Ribavirin?
Along with good hand hygiene, doing this with people who have the virus helps prevent the spread.
What is avoiding close contact?
This is the time frame in which RSV symptoms appear after a person becomes infected.
What is 4 to 6 days?
This high-pitched whistling sound on breathing may be an early clue of RSV in babies.
What is wheezing?
Adults at this age or older are at higher risk for severe RSV infection.
What is 65 years or older?
These medications may be given to ease breathing in a client with RSV.
What are bronchodilators?
The FDA and the AAP advise against giving OTC cough and cold medicines to children under this age.
What is 6 years old?
This is the typical contagious window for a client with RSV, who may even spread the virus a day or two before symptoms start.
What is 3 to 8 days?
In infants, this feeding-related change is often one of the first signs of RSV.
What is poor feeding (decreased appetite)?
Across all age groups, people with this kind of weakened defense are more vulnerable to RSV.
What is a compromised immune system?
Along with keeping the air moist, the nurse should do this with the head of the bed to support breathing.
What is elevate it (elevate the HOB)?
This medication should NEVER be given to children because it can cause Reye Syndrome.
What is aspirin?
RSV passes from person to person through these and through close contact
What are respiratory droplets?
In babies, this priority finding related to breathing effort should always be assessed closely.
What are signs of respiratory distress?
These infants, who have both cardiac and pulmonary issues, face the highest risk of getting RSV.
What are infants with cardiac and pulmonary issues?
This type of precaution is used when caring for a client with RSV.
What are droplet precautions?
An infant admitted with RSV should be assigned this type of room with these combined precautions.
What is a private room with contact and droplet precautions?