A nurse on a pediatric unit is admitting a school-aged child with suspected Reye syndrome. Which information obtained during the history taking is most consistent with this condition?

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11ecbb05_cad5_4e56_b433_559df710cd7a_MD0009_00 Children who develop Reye syndrome often have had a recent viral infection, especially varicella (chicken pox) or influenza. Clinical manifestations include fever, lethargy, acute encephalopathy, and altered hepatic function. Elevated serum ammonia levels are an expected laboratory finding. Acute encephalopathy manifests with vomiting and a severely altered level of consciousness; it can rapidly progress to seizures and/or coma. The risk of developing Reye syndrome increases if aspirin therapy is used to treat the fever associated with varicella or influenza. As a result of this awareness, there has been a significant increase in the use of acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever management in children. (Option A) Although a child who has not received the varicella vaccine may have an increased risk of developing chicken pox, this evidence alone is not enough to substantiate suspected Reye syndrome. (Option B) Recent exposure to bats would place the child at risk for rabies, a severe infection affecting the nervous system. This finding would not be indicative of Reye syndrome. (Option D) The use of aspirin to treat fever, especially in clients with Kawasaki disease, can be associated with Reye syndrome. Acetaminophen is an appropriate antipyretic choice to reduce the risk of Reye syndrome. Educational objective: Reye syndrome is characterized by fever, acute encephalopathy, and altered hepatic function. It often develops following a viral infection, especially varicella or influenza. The risk of developing Reye syndrome increases if aspirin therapy is used to treat fever.

A Nurse on a Pediatric Unit Is Admitting a School-Aged