Jennifer Kiaha-Raquino

2nd Patho for PICU

obsevation

Causes
Spread by direct contact
with respiratory
secretions or indirect
contact with
contaminated surfaces.
Usually occurs from
October to March. The
infected child sheds the
virus for 3-8 days and
the incubation period is
2-8 days.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus

RSV

Pathophysiology
Virus invades mucosal
cells in the small bronchi
and bronchioles. The virus
bursts inside the cells and
invades the adjacent cells.
Infected cells begin to fuse
and create a mass or
syncytia that will clog and
obstruct the bronchioles
and irritate the airway
causing bronchiolitis. The
airway lining swells and
produces excessive
mucus.

Diagnostic Tests
-Nasopharyngeal
specimen (ELISA)
-Chest X-ray

Treatment
Supportive care, isolation
to prevent spread,
hydration, oral and nasal
suctioning, CPAP,
nebulizer treatments of
albuterol, saline, or
epinephrine, O2 if needed,
oral dexamethasone if
needed.

Clinical Manifestations
-rhinitis
-cough
-low grade fever
-wheezing
-crackles
-thick nasal secreations
-tachypnea
-poor feeding
-vomiting
-diarrhea

Possible Complications
Respiratory distress
(tachypnea greater than
70, grunting, nasal
flaring, increased
wheezing, retractions,
lethargy, hypoxia,
cyanosis, decreased
mental status.

Prevention
Palivizumab (Synagis) IM
injection is given to
children of high risk.
15mg/kg is given every
30 days for 5 months
starting in October
throughout RSV season.

References:
Ball, J., Bindler, R., Cowen, K., (2015). Alterations in respiratory function. In Principles of pediatric nursing caring for children. 6th ed.
Pearson.
Hogan, M., Wagner, N., White, J., Johnson, T., (2013). Respiratory health problems. In Child health nursing reviews & rationales.3rd ed.
Pearson.