Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the single most common cause of bronchiolitis and viral lower respiratory tract infection in infants and children worldwide, responsible for >100,000 pediatric hospitalizations annually in Canada and the United States. The virus infects bronchiolar epithelium, causing oedema, mucus plugging, and air trapping that can produce life-threatening hypoxemia within hours of symptom onset. Missed or delayed recognition of respiratory distress in infants — who lack the accessory muscle reserve and airway diameter of older patients — results in respiratory failure and potential hypoxic-ischemic injury. Top 3 nursing priorities: 1. Continuous respiratory assessment: work of breathing (retractions, nasal flaring, grunting), RR trend, SpO2 ≥92% (Canadian Paediatric Society threshold for hospital admission) 2. Positioning and airway clearance — nasal suctioning before feeds, prone positioning in monitored infants improves oxygenation but requires continuous oximetry 3. Fluid management — maintain hydration via nasogastric or IV route when SpO2 drops with oral feeding effort Classic NCLEX trap: Ordering aerosolized bronchodilators (salbutamol) as routine treatment for RSV bronchiolitis. Current Canadian and American guidelines do NOT recommend routine bronchodilator therapy — bronchiolitis is...