Respiratory Syncytial Virus: Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment

About the Course
Pediatric viral respiratory illnesses occur yearly in seasonal patterned cycles (Kahanowitch et al., 2022). Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the most critical viral illnesses causing lower respiratory infections in children aged 0 to 60 months, those with poor immunity, and the elderly (Shang et al., 2021). RSV is the most common acute lower respiratory tract infection, with an estimated 33 million cases worldwide in 2019. In 2022, an estimated 236 children per 100,000 were hospitalized with RSV (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2022a). Healthcare professionals must remain vigilant in assessing and treating susceptible individuals because of the high rates of reinfection among vulnerable populations and the lack of a vaccine.

Learning Outcomes 
Upon completion of the course, the learner will be able to:  

• Review the epidemiology and pathophysiology of the respiratory syncytial virus.
• Review symptoms of RSV in children and adults. 
• Discuss clinical manifestations of RSV and bronchiolitis.
• Discuss treatment modalities and preventative strategies in RSV and bronchiolitis.

About the Author
Robyn Caldwell DNP, FNP-BC, PMHNP, has been a leader for more than 30 years in nursing practice, education, and mentoring. Her expertise includes adult mental healthcare, emergency nursing, and rural urgent care. Dr. Caldwell has a passion for curriculum development, emphasizing student success. She has designed clinical Family Nurse Practitioner programs, student success programs, and critical thinking workshops. Dr. Caldwell has published and presented on topics relevant to nursing education and patient outcomes in local, state, and national venues. Her research interests include family practice, mental health, critical thinking, and student success. Dr. Caldwell recently completed a postmaster as an advanced practice mental health nurse practitioner. 

About the Peer Reviewer 
Erin Luckiesh, MSN, RN, CPNP-PC, is a pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP) specializing in primary care with a degree from Yale University. Erin has worked for an outpatient pediatric clinic in the San Francisco Bay area since 2019, where she started as a registered nurse working for their advice line and moved up to the role of PNP at the same practice in 2021. She also has four years of experience working as a child life specialist at the University of California San Francisco Children’s Hospital. 

How to Receive Credit 

• Read the entire course online or in print which requires a 1-hour commitment of time. 
• At the end of the course, answer the Yes/No Affirmation question to indicate that you have completed the educational activity. 
• Specific to Florida: A mandatory Final Examination with a passing score of 70% or higher is required. Exam questions link content to the course Learning Objectives as a method to enhance individualized learning and material retention. 
• Provide required personal and payment information. 
• Complete the mandatory course evaluation. 
• Print your Certificate of Completion. 

Resolution of Conflict of Interest
Planners, faculty, and others in control of content (either individually or as a group) have no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies. 

Sponsorship/Commercial Support and Non-Endorsement</stron