How to Make a Nursing Diagnosis for RSV

Respiratory syncytial virus -- or RSV -- is a viral infection that affects the lungs and respiratory tract. RSV is most commonly seen in children but can also affect adults. RSV in healthy individuals usually mimics a common cold. In premature babies and individuals with underlying health conditions, RSV can be a serious illness. Many individuals with RSV will visit a doctor's office or emergency room. As a nurse, it is your job to interview and take note of the patient's symptoms. A doctor will make the official diagnosis of RSV.

Instructions

• 1

  Interview the patient. Discuss symptoms and when the symptoms started to occur. RSV normally mimics the symptoms of the common cold and can include runny nose, congestion, coughing, fever, headache, discomfort, aches and a sore throat. In severe cases, patients may present with a high fever, wheezing, difficulty breathing, severe cough and they may have blue-ish tint to the skin.

• 2

  Take the patient's vital signs. Take the patient's temperature and listen to their lungs using a stethoscope. Check for abnormal sounds.

• 3

  Consult with the physician on the case. Present the medical history to the physician. Allow the physician to see the patient.

• 4

  Perform or order any tests as indicated by the physician. Testing may include a chest x-ray, blood tests and monitoring of the oxygen in the blood stream -- using pulse oximetry. Lab tests to check for viral infections in respiratory fluids may also be ordered.