How is RSV infection managed in infants, and what nursing considerations are essential?

• A. Antibiotics are first-line.
• B. Oxygen should be withheld to avoid dependency.
• C. Provide supportive care: oxygen as needed, hydration, nasal suctioning, saline drops; monitor for dehydration and respiratory distress; isolation; escalate to ICU if worsening.
• D. Use bronchodilators routinely and avoid suctioning.

Answer: (C)

RSV management in infants is primarily supportive care aimed at keeping the airway clear, maintaining hydration, and ensuring adequate oxygenation. Provide oxygen as needed to keep the infant’s oxygen saturation in a safe range, with humidified air as appropriate. Ensure hydration and nutrition; offer oral fluids if possible, or IV fluids if intake is insufficient, and monitor for signs of dehydration such as dry mucous membranes, sunken fontanelle, or reduced urine output.

Clear nasal passages with saline drops and gentle suctioning helps improve breathing and feeding and is a common nursing intervention. Monitor closely for respiratory distress and dehydration, noting work of breathing, retractions, grunting, tachypnea, and changes in feeding or urine output. Implement isolation precautions to prevent the spread of RSV, including appropriate hand hygiene and contact/droplet precautions per facility protocol.

If the infant’s condition worsens—continued hypoxia, increasing respiratory effort, or signs of respiratory failure—escalation to higher levels of care, such as ICU admission for closer monitoring or noninvasive support or ventilation, may be necessary.

Antibiotics are not first-line treatment because RSV is viral; bronchodilators are not routinely used unless there is a specific wheezing/bronchospasm history, and suctioning and supportive care remain the cornerstone.