Final answer:
A nursing intervention suitable for a 10-month-old infant with bronchiolitis caused by RSV is providing humidified oxygen. Antibiotics are ineffective as RSV is a virus, and vigorous coughing is not safe for such young infants.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nursing Intervention for RSV Bronchiolitis in an Infant
A nursing intervention that would help a 10-month-old infant suffering from bronchiolitis caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is providing humidified oxygen. Bronchiolitis, often caused by RSV, leads to swelling and mucus in the bronchioles. Humidified oxygen supports the infant by ensuring adequate oxygenation and can also help to loosen respiratory secretions.
Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections like RSV, so they are not a suitable intervention in this case. Antipyretics could be considered if the infant has a fever, however, the scenario presented does not specify fever as a symptom. Encouraging vigorous coughing exercises is not recommended for infants due to the risk of causing harm, such as rib fractures, and because infants are not able to voluntarily comply with such instructions.
Medical advances have contributed substantially to the treatment of respiratory conditions in infants, including the use of mechanical ventilation, nasal CPAP, and pulmonary surfactant therapy. These interventions have significantly reduced mortality rates associated with RDS. Supportive care measures, such as temperature regulation and nutritional support, are also crucial in managing and treating infants with respiratory conditions.