A nurse is assessing a 6-month-old infant who has respiratory syncytial virus. The nurse should immediately report which of the following findings to the provider?

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common viral infection in infants that primarily affects the lower respiratory tract, leading to bronchiolitis. It can cause airway inflammation, increased mucus production, and airway obstruction. Infants are at high risk for rapid respiratory deterioration due to their small airways and limited respiratory reserve. Early recognition of signs of respiratory distress is critical to prevent hypoxia and respiratory failure. Rationale: A. Tachypnea is an early and significant sign of respiratory distress in an infant with RSV. Increased respiratory rate indicates that the infant is compensating for impaired gas exchange due to airway inflammation and mucus obstruction. It may be an early warning of worsening bronchiolitis and potential respiratory failure, requiring immediate provider notification. B. Rhinorrhea is a common upper respiratory symptom in RSV infection and is expected in the early stages of illness. It reflects nasal mucosal inflammation but does not indicate severe disease progression. While it should be monitored, it does not require urgent reporting. C. Coughing is a typical manifestation of RSV as the body attempts to clear mucus from the airways. It is expected in bronchiolitis and does not alone indicate clinical deterioration. However, worsening cough should be monitored alongside other respiratory signs. D. Pharyngitis may occur with viral respiratory infections but is not a primary or concerning finding in RSV bronchiolitis. RSV primarily affects the lower respiratory tract rather than the throat. Therefore, pharyngitis does not require immediate provider notification in this context.