Lippincott Respiratory Problems Practice Exam

Offering small amounts of fluids frequently is an important home care guideline for an infant with bronchiolitis. Infants with this condition often experience difficulty breathing, which can lead to decreased oral intake. Frequent, small amounts of fluid help to ensure adequate hydration without overwhelming the infant’s ability to swallow or breathe comfortably. Staying hydrated is crucial, as it can help thin mucus secretions and ease respiratory distress.

Other options may not align with safe or effective care practices. For instance, allowing the infant to sleep in a prone position may increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and is not recommended for infants under the age of one. Performing chest physiotherapy every four hours may not be necessary for all infants with bronchiolitis and could cause additional stress or discomfort. Writing down how much the infant drinks can be helpful for monitoring intake, but it does not provide the immediate benefit of ensuring proper fluid intake, especially when the infant’s condition might require prompt attention to hydration needs. Therefore, offering small amounts of fluids frequently is the most critical guideline in this context.