Question 1

A previously healthy patient develops influenza which is confirmed by RT-PCR testing and begins taking an antiviral medication. The next day, the patient reports increased fever and cough without respiratory distress. The patient's lungs are clear and oxygen saturations are 97% on room air. What will the provider recommend?

A) Admission to the hospital for treatment of complications
B) Empirical antibiotics to treat a possible secondary infection
C) Referral to a specialist for evaluation and treatment
D) Symptomatic treatment with close follow-up in clinic

D

Accepted Answer

The patient is experiencing worsening symptoms but without respiratory distress or any indication of severe illness. Therefore, the provider may recommend continuing symptomatic treatment and close follow-up in clinic rather than admission to the hospital, empirical antibiotics, or referral to a specialist. This approach allows for further observation and adjusting treatment as necessary.

Question 2

A 65-year-old patient who has not had an influenza vaccine is exposed to influenza and comes to the clinic the following day with fever and watery, red eyes. What will the provider do initially?&#10;A) Administer LAIV influenza vaccine&#10;B) Begin treatment with an antiviral medication&#10;C) Observe for improvement or worsening for 24 hours&#10;D) Perform a nasal swab for RT-PCR assay

Accepted Answer

D

Question 3

The parent of a 4-month-old infant who has had an episode of bronchiolitis asks the provider if the infant may have an influenza vaccine. What will the provider tell this parent?&#10;A) The infant should be given prophylactic antiviral medications.&#10;B) The infant should have an influenza vaccine now with a booster in 1 month.&#10;C) The infant should have the live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV).&#10;D) The infant should not but family and all close contacts should be vaccinated.

Accepted Answer

The infant should not receive the influenza vaccine at this time, as it is not recommended for infants younger than 6 months. However, it is important for family members and close contacts to receive the vaccine to help protect the infant from exposure to the virus. Prophylactic antiviral medications may be considered in certain situations, but vaccination of close contacts is still the best approach to protect the infant. The live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) is also not recommended for infants younger than 6 months.

Deck 210: Influenza