A 3-year-old is admitted to the paediatric unit with a traumatic injury to the right forearm. The mother has given the child aspirin at home to control the pain. She tells the nurse that her son had an upper respiratory infection about 3 weeks ago. What is the nurse's best response when the mother asks why the physician ordered acetaminophen instead of aspirin?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Acetaminophen is given to children for pain because aspirin use in children with a viral illness, such as an upper respiratory infection, has been associated with the development of Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious condition that can cause swelling in the brain and liver damage. Therefore, physicians avoid prescribing aspirin to children with viral infections and instead recommend acetaminophen.

A 3-Year-Old Is Admitted to the Paediatric Unit with a Traumatic