RSV
Structured condition card with NCLEX priority cues and nursing action focus.
PediatricsRespiratoryInfectious Diseasehigh priorityneeds review
RSV
Also testable as: Respiratory syncytial virus, Bronchiolitis
Etiology / Pathophysiology
- Respiratory syncytial virus spreads by droplets/contact and commonly affects infants and young children.
- Small airway inflammation, mucus, and edema can cause bronchiolitis, wheeze, hypoxia, and dehydration.
Medications
| Class | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Bronchodilators | May be trialed only when ordered; supportive care is central. |
Nursing actions
- Assess work of breathing, retractions, nasal flaring, grunting, oxygen saturation, hydration, and feeding.
- Use contact/droplet precautions per policy and suction nares before feeds when ordered.
- Escalate apnea, cyanosis, exhaustion, poor perfusion, or inability to maintain hydration.
Complications
- Bronchiolitis
- Pneumonia
- Apnea
- Respiratory failure
- Dehydration
NCLEX cues
- Infant with wheezing, retractions, poor feeding.
- Bradycardia/apnea are late danger cues.
- Hydration and oxygenation outrank routine teaching.
Memory hooks
- RSV: tiny airways clog fast.
Labs / Diagnostics
- Pulse oximetry
- Respiratory viral testing if ordered
- Hydration and weight assessment
Review notes
- Supplemental wife-requested study card. Use for NCLEX review only and verify against school materials, ATI/NCLEX review sources, current orders, and facility policy.