Which of the following is a priority nursing intervention when caring for an infant with an upper respiratory tract infection?
A. Give small amounts of fluids frequently to prevent dehydration
B. Keep the infant warm with extra blankets to prevent chills
C. Give a cool bath to reduce fever
D. Encourage food intake to meet important caloric needs during infection.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is A. Give small amounts of fluids frequently to prevent dehydration.
When caring for an infant with an upper respiratory tract infection (URI), one of the priority nursing interventions is to ensure that the infant stays hydrated. Infants are particularly vulnerable to dehydration because they have a higher surface area to body mass ratio, meaning they can lose fluids more quickly. URI symptoms such as fever, decreased appetite, and nasal congestion can make it difficult for an infant to consume enough fluids, which can lead to dehydration. Offering small amounts of fluids frequently helps ensure that the infant remains hydrated and avoids complications such as electrolyte imbalances, kidney stress, or a worsened illness.
Dehydration in infants can progress rapidly, and signs such as dry mouth, fewer wet diapers, sunken fontanelles, and lethargy may indicate that the infant is becoming seriously dehydrated. Hydration also helps to thin mucus, making it easier for the infant to clear their airways, which is critical for improving breathing. If the infant is unable to drink fluids, medical intervention may be required to administer fluids intravenously.
While options B, C, and D are also relevant for comfort or symptom management, they are not the most urgent priority. Keeping an infant warm may be necessary to prevent chills, but extra blankets may cause overheating. A cool bath may help reduce fever but is not always recommended for infants, especially if they become cold or shiver. Encouraging food intake is important for overall health, but infants may not feel like eating during a URI, and it is more important to focus on fluid intake.