A nurse is assisting with the care of a preschooler who has manifestations of respiratory syncytial virus. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Explanation & Rationale
Choice A reason: Fluconazole treats fungal infections, not RSV, a viral respiratory illness. Antivirals like ribavirin might apply, but antifungals don’t. Scientifically, this mismatches RSV’s etiology, as it’s a paramyxovirus, rendering fluconazole ineffective and irrelevant for managing this preschooler’s condition.Choice B reason: Monitoring urine for protein assesses kidney function, unrelated to RSV, which affects lungs. Proteinuria isn’t a typical RSV sign. Scientifically, this lacks relevance, as RSV causes respiratory distress, not renal complications, making it an unnecessary action here.Choice C reason: An X-ray of the neck targets croup or epiglottitis, not RSV, which affects lower airways. RSV needs chest imaging if severe. Scientifically, neck imaging misaligns with RSV’s pathophysiology, wasting resources when lung assessment is more pertinent.Choice D reason: Droplet precautions prevent RSV spread via respiratory droplets, critical in preschoolers who aerosolize virus easily. Scientifically, this aligns with infection control, as RSV’s high contagiousness requires masks and isolation to protect others, a primary nursing action per guidelines.