Pediatric Respiratory Disorders (RSV, Asthma) Practice Pack
2026/2027 Chamberlain College
1. A 2-year-old child is admitted with bronchiolitis caused by Respiratory
Syncytial Virus (RSV). What is the priority nursing intervention?
A. Administering broad-spectrum antibiotics
B. Initiating a high-calorie diet
C. Performing chest physiotherapy every 2 hours
D. Maintaining a patent airway and suctioning as needed
Answer: D
Rationale: RSV causes increased mucus production and airway obstruction; therefore,
maintaining a patent airway through suctioning and positioning is the nursing priority.
2. Which medication is considered a ‘rescue’ inhaler for a child experiencing an
acute asthma exacerbation?
A. Fluticasone
B. Albuterol
C. Salmeterol
D. Montelukast
Answer: B
Rationale: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-agonist (SABA) that provides quick relief of
bronchospasm. The others are long-term controllers or modifiers.
,3. A nurse is teaching a parent about the Peak Flow Meter. What does a reading
in the ‘Yellow Zone’ signify?
A. Caution; asthma is not well-controlled and medication adjustment may be needed.
B. A medical emergency; seek immediate hospital care.
C. The child’s asthma is well-controlled; no changes needed.
D. The device is malfunctioning and needs to be replaced.
Answer: A
Rationale: The Yellow Zone (50-80% of personal best) indicates caution and a need to
follow the ‘yellow zone’ instructions in the Asthma Action Plan.
4. Which transmission-based precautions should the nurse implement for a child
hospitalized with RSV?
A. Protective Environment Precautions
B. Airborne Precautions only
C. Standard Precautions only
D. Contact and Droplet Precautions
Answer: D
Rationale: RSV is primarily spread through direct contact with secretions and large
droplets; thus, Contact and Droplet precautions are required.
5. What is a common side effect of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) such as
Fluticasone?
A. Oropharyngeal candidiasis (thrush)
B. Tachycardia
C. Hypoglycemia
D. Insomnia
Answer: A
Rationale: Inhaled corticosteroids can cause oral yeast infections; patients should be
taught to rinse their mouth after administration.
, 6. A child with asthma is being discharged. Which instruction is most important
regarding the use of a spacer with a Metered-Dose Inhaler (MDI)?
A. The spacer makes the inhaler easier to clean.
B. The spacer increases the delivery of the medication to the lungs.
C. The spacer is only used if the child is under age 5.
D. The spacer slows down the heart rate after use.
Answer: B
Rationale: Spacers help coordinate the delivery of the medication and ensure more
medicine reaches the lower airways instead of the back of the throat.
7. A nurse observes an infant with RSV exhibiting ‘nasal flaring.’ This assessment
finding indicates:
A. Normal infant breathing patterns
B. A sign of respiratory distress
C. An allergic reaction to medication
D. Nasal congestion that requires only saline drops
Answer: B
Rationale: Nasal flaring is a compensatory mechanism used by infants to increase the
volume of inspired air and is a clear sign of respiratory distress.
8. Which of the following is a key risk factor for developing severe RSV
bronchiolitis?
A. Full-term birth
B. Breastfeeding for 6 months
C. Living in a rural area
D. History of prematurity
Answer: D
Rationale: Premature infants (born before 35 weeks) are at higher risk for severe RSV due
to underdeveloped lungs and fewer maternal antibodies.
2026/2027 Chamberlain College
1. A 2-year-old child is admitted with bronchiolitis caused by Respiratory
Syncytial Virus (RSV). What is the priority nursing intervention?
A. Administering broad-spectrum antibiotics
B. Initiating a high-calorie diet
C. Performing chest physiotherapy every 2 hours
D. Maintaining a patent airway and suctioning as needed
Answer: D
Rationale: RSV causes increased mucus production and airway obstruction; therefore,
maintaining a patent airway through suctioning and positioning is the nursing priority.
2. Which medication is considered a ‘rescue’ inhaler for a child experiencing an
acute asthma exacerbation?
A. Fluticasone
B. Albuterol
C. Salmeterol
D. Montelukast
Answer: B
Rationale: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-agonist (SABA) that provides quick relief of
bronchospasm. The others are long-term controllers or modifiers.
,3. A nurse is teaching a parent about the Peak Flow Meter. What does a reading
in the ‘Yellow Zone’ signify?
A. Caution; asthma is not well-controlled and medication adjustment may be needed.
B. A medical emergency; seek immediate hospital care.
C. The child’s asthma is well-controlled; no changes needed.
D. The device is malfunctioning and needs to be replaced.
Answer: A
Rationale: The Yellow Zone (50-80% of personal best) indicates caution and a need to
follow the ‘yellow zone’ instructions in the Asthma Action Plan.
4. Which transmission-based precautions should the nurse implement for a child
hospitalized with RSV?
A. Protective Environment Precautions
B. Airborne Precautions only
C. Standard Precautions only
D. Contact and Droplet Precautions
Answer: D
Rationale: RSV is primarily spread through direct contact with secretions and large
droplets; thus, Contact and Droplet precautions are required.
5. What is a common side effect of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) such as
Fluticasone?
A. Oropharyngeal candidiasis (thrush)
B. Tachycardia
C. Hypoglycemia
D. Insomnia
Answer: A
Rationale: Inhaled corticosteroids can cause oral yeast infections; patients should be
taught to rinse their mouth after administration.
, 6. A child with asthma is being discharged. Which instruction is most important
regarding the use of a spacer with a Metered-Dose Inhaler (MDI)?
A. The spacer makes the inhaler easier to clean.
B. The spacer increases the delivery of the medication to the lungs.
C. The spacer is only used if the child is under age 5.
D. The spacer slows down the heart rate after use.
Answer: B
Rationale: Spacers help coordinate the delivery of the medication and ensure more
medicine reaches the lower airways instead of the back of the throat.
7. A nurse observes an infant with RSV exhibiting ‘nasal flaring.’ This assessment
finding indicates:
A. Normal infant breathing patterns
B. A sign of respiratory distress
C. An allergic reaction to medication
D. Nasal congestion that requires only saline drops
Answer: B
Rationale: Nasal flaring is a compensatory mechanism used by infants to increase the
volume of inspired air and is a clear sign of respiratory distress.
8. Which of the following is a key risk factor for developing severe RSV
bronchiolitis?
A. Full-term birth
B. Breastfeeding for 6 months
C. Living in a rural area
D. History of prematurity
Answer: D
Rationale: Premature infants (born before 35 weeks) are at higher risk for severe RSV due
to underdeveloped lungs and fewer maternal antibodies.
