A nurse is collecting data from an infant who has respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Barrel chest is not a typical finding in RSV. It is more commonly associated with chronic respiratory conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or cystic fibrosis. B. Clubbing of the fingers is usually seen in chronic respiratory conditions like cystic fibrosis, but it is not a typical manifestation of RSV, which is usually acute. C. Vesicles on the trunk are characteristic of viral infections such as chickenpox, not RSV. RSV primarily affects the respiratory system, causing symptoms like wheezing and coughing. D. Rhinorrhea, or a runny nose, is a common early symptom of RSV. RSV often starts with cold-like symptoms, including nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, and cough, before progressing to more severe respiratory distress.