NR452 Nursing Care of Children Post Assessment Questions Nursing Care of Children: Strategies for Managing Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and Respiratory Distress in Newborns What Information Regarding Strategies to Decrease the Spread of Infection Should the Nurse Provide to the Parents of a Child with Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)?

One of the primary strategies to prevent the spread of RSV is rigorous hand hygiene. Nurses should emphasize the importance of frequent handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Hand hygiene is essential for everyone in the household, as the virus can survive on hands and surfaces for several hours (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2021). Handwashing should be practiced especially after touching the child, handling tissues, or coming into close contact with the child.

Minimizing close contact between the infected child and other individuals, particularly those at high risk for severe RSV, is another critical strategy. Research indicates that isolating infected individuals and reducing their exposure to others can significantly decrease the spread of the virus (Hall, Weinberg, & Iwane, 2009). Nurses should advise parents to avoid taking the child to crowded places or daycare during the illness.

Disinfection of frequently touched surfaces is also vital in preventing RSV transmission. The CDC (2021) recommends regular cleaning and disinfection of toys, doorknobs, and countertops to eliminate the virus from surfaces where it can linger. Proper disposal of tissues used by the infected child is another important step. Parents should be instructed to discard tissues in a lined trash can and wash hands immediately afterward to prevent further spread.

Cough etiquette is another key component in controlling the spread of RSV. Nurses should teach parents and, if possible, the child to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or elbow when coughing or sneezing. This practice helps prevent respiratory droplets from becoming airborne and potentially infecting others (CDC, 2021).

Additionally, nurses should advise parents to monitor and limit visitors to the home while the child is ill with RSV. If visitors are necessary, they should follow strict hand hygiene and cough etiquette protocols. In cases where the child is hospitalized, the appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks and gloves is essential to protect both healthcare workers and family members (World Health Organization, 2020).