What should be monitored in severe cases of Bronchiolitis/RSV?

Monitoring vital signs and oxygenation is crucial in severe cases of Bronchiolitis and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) due to the potential for significant respiratory distress and hypoxemia that can occur in these patients. In severe instances, children may experience rapid breathing, wheezing, and the use of accessory muscles for breathing, which are critical indicators of increasing respiratory effort and the need for possible intervention.

Additionally, measuring oxygenation through pulse oximetry allows for the detection of low oxygen levels in the blood, guiding treatment decisions such as the need for supplemental oxygen or mechanical ventilation. Maintaining an adequate level of oxygenation is essential for preventing complications associated with hypoxia, such as respiratory failure.

While monitoring fluid intake, blood glucose levels, and electrolyte levels can be important aspects of overall patient care, they do not take precedence in the immediate context of managing the acute respiratory challenges posed by Bronchiolitis/RSV, where vital signs and oxygenation status directly impact the urgency of interventions.