Final answer:
During the acute stage of Reye's syndrome, a nurse would closely monitor for increased intracranial pressure due to the risk of brain edema, which represents an immediate life-threatening condition.
Step-by-step explanation:
Among the following clinical issues, a nurse caring for a child with Reye's syndrome would most closely monitor for increased intracranial pressure (ICP) during the acute stage. Reye's syndrome can cause severe swelling in the liver and brain, leading to complications such as neurological damage. Monitoring for increased ICP is essential due to the risk of brain edema associated with this condition.
While changes in blood glucose level, liver enzymes, and urinary protein might also occur, they are not typically the most acute concerns related to the immediate life-threatening consequences of Reye's syndrome. However, it is important to note that because Reye's syndrome involves liver damage, one might see a decrease in liver enzymes and alterations in blood urea levels, reflecting hepatic dysfunction.
Moreover, due to decreased production of proteins, such as albumin, which could be lost through the kidneys, protein in the urine might be monitored. But again, the primary concern in the acute phase is managing the increased intracranial pressure to prevent further neurological damage.