Today’s NCLEX-RN® question of the day focuses on risk factors associated with the development of Reye syndrome. Can you figure it out?
The nurse in the pediatric clinic is reviewing the list of clients on the appointment schedule for the day. Which client should the nurse identify as being at the highest risk for developing Reye syndrome?
A. A 10-year-old client scheduled for a follow-up visit for the treatment of strep throat
B. An 8-month-old infant with varicella-zoster not responding to treatment with famciclovir
C. A 2-year-old client with a fever of 101.3℉ (38.5℃) who is not responding to the treatment for tonsillitis
D. A 5-year-old client whose parents have been treating his fever with aspirin
Scroll down for the correct answer!
Check out our NCLEX-RN Study Plan Guide!
The correct answer to today’s NCLEX-RN® Question is…
D. A 5-year-old client whose parents have been treating his fever with aspirin
Rationale: Children under the age of 18 who take aspirin for the treatment of viral illnesses are at risk of developing Reye Syndrome.
Main takeaway
Reye syndrome is a rare but life-threatening condition that occurs in children younger than 18 years of age who take salicylate-containing medications like aspirin to treat a viral illness, especially influenza and varicella. Reye syndrome is characterized by hepatic encephalopathy, where liver dysfunction results in a buildup of toxic substances that causes brain dysfunction. The exact cause of Reye syndrome is not fully understood, but it is thought that the use of salicylate medications may inhibit some important enzymes within the liver cells, or hepatocytes, leading to liver malfunction.
Incorrect answer explanations
A. A 10-year-old client scheduled for a follow-up visit for the treatment of strep throat
Rationale: A 10-year-old client scheduled for a follow-up visit for the treatment of strep throat is not specifically at risk for Reye Syndrome.
B. An 8-month-old infant with varicella-zoster not responding to treatment with famciclovir
Rationale: An 8-month-old infant with varicella-zoster not responding to treatment with famciclovir is not specifically at risk for Reye Syndrome.
C. A 2-year-old client with a fever of 101.3℉ (38.5℃) who is not responding to the treatment for tonsillitis
Rationale: A 2-year-old client with a fever of 101.3℉ (38.5℃) who is not responding to the treatment of tonsillitis is not specifically at risk for Reye Syndrome.
________________________
Want more NCLEX®-style practice questions? Try Osmosis today! Access your free trial and find out why millions of current and future clinicians and caregivers love learning with us.
NCLEX-RN® and NCLEX-PN® are registered trademarks of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc (NCSBN®). Osmosis is not affiliated with NCSBN.
Leave a Reply