Page 1113 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

intubation and mechanical ventilation may be
required.
2. Monitor respiratory status, because respiratory
compromise and cerebral edema may occur 24 hours
after the incident.
3. Monitor for aspiration pneumonia.
4. Monitor neurological status closely; if spontaneous
purposeful movement and normal brainstem function
are not apparent 24 hours after the event, the child
most likely has sustained severe neurological deficits.
5. Teach parents to provide adequate supervision of
infants and small children around water to prevent
accidents.
VI. Reye’s Syndrome
A. Description
1. Reye’s syndrome is an acute encephalopathy that
follows a viral illness and is characterized
pathologically by cerebral edema and fatty changes in
the liver; diagnosis is made by laboratory studies and
liver biopsy.
2. The exact cause is unclear; it most commonly follows a
viral illness such as influenza or varicella.

3. Administration of aspirin and aspirin-

containing products is not recommended for children
with a febrile illness or children with varicella or
influenza because of its association with Reye’s
syndrome.
4. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen are considered the
medications of choice.
5. Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment are
important; the goal of treatment is to maintain
effective cerebral perfusion and control increasing
ICP.
B. Assessment
1. History of systemic viral illness 4 to 7 days before the
onset of symptoms
2. Fever
3. Nausea and vomiting

4. Signs of altered hepatic function such as

lethargy

5. Progressive neurological deterioration

6. Increased blood ammonia levels

C. Interventions

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