title: Respiratory syncytial virus in blood and marrow transplant recipients.
abstract: Nurses caring for blood and bone marrow transplant recipients need to understand the effects that respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection can have on transplant recipients, family members, and healthcare providers. With knowledge about the virulence and transmission of RSV, nurses are in a position to educate patients and family, reduce nosocomial spread of the infection, and influence clinical practice. By recognizing specific risk factors for infection, nurses can act as gatekeepers who identify candidates to screen and enhance early detection of infection. Nurses need to possess knowledge of early detection, implement clinical management strategies and precautions, and optimize delivery of appropriate therapy while maintaining a safe environment for all people involved. This article reviews RSV's clinical risk factors, transmission, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and impact on transplant recipients and candidates.
authors.affiliation: TLatchford@stanfordmed.org
authors.forename: Theresa
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Latchford
authors.forename: Brenda K
authors.initials: BK
authors.lastname: Shelton
mesh_terms: D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001803:Blood Transfusion; D016026:Bone Marrow Transplantation; D006801:Humans; D009729:Nursing / Q000379:methods; D011024:Pneumonia, Viral / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000821:virology*; D018357:Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000821:virology*; D012254:Ribavirin / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000998:Antiviral Agents; D012254:Ribavirin