Test Results
The physical examination and medical history are the main diagnostic
tools for bronchiolitis.
It is difficult to identify the specific etiologic agent by clinical criteria alone.
Nasal and nasopharyngeal secretions are tested by rapid immunofluorescent
antibody (IFA) or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Treatment
Most cases are treated at home with high humidity, adequate fluid intake,
rest, and medications.
Children with complicating conditions should be hospitalized.
Mist therapy combined with oxygen by hood or tent are sufficient
enough to alleviate dyspnea and hypoxia.
Ribavirin (Virazole)is a specific aerosol antiviral medication for RSV
bronchiolitis and reserved for severely ill infants and children with com-
promising illnesses.
Two drugs are currently available for prevention of RSV bronchiolitis:- RSV immune globulin intravenous (RSV-GIV or RespiGam)
- Palivizumab (Synagis)
Nursing Intervention
Conduct continuous and thorough respiratory system assessments.
Practice consistent handwashing and do not touch the mucous-secreting
areas such as the nasal mucosa or conjunctiva.
Assign isolation rooms to hospitalized patients.
Nurses caring for patients with RSV bronchiolitis should not care for
other patients who are considered high risk.Nursing alert Pregnant health-care providers should not care for a patient
receiving ribavirin.Cystic Fibrosis
What Went Wrong?
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited autosomal recessive trait disorder that
affects the exocrine glands of the body. The condition is characterized by an
alteration in sweat, electrolytes, and mucus production that leads to multisystem
involvement. The white population experiences 95% of the occurrences.Signs and Symptoms
The clinical symptoms vary widely and changes as the disease progresses.
Chronic respiratory infections are persistently associated with CF. The majority
of the patients also have some exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.21543(^84) Pediatric Nursing Demystified