Final answer:
Children should not be given aspirin due to the risk of Reye's syndrome, a serious condition that can be fatal. Buffered aspirin does not eliminate this risk. Consultation with a pediatrician is recommended to explore alternative treatments.
Step-by-step explanation:
When considering whether buffered aspirin is safe for Wrenda's 4-year-old son, particularly during viral infections, it is critical to note the association between aspirin use in children and the risk of developing Reye's syndrome. Reye's syndrome is a serious condition leading to brain and liver swelling that can be fatal. Accordingly, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that aspirin or products containing aspirin should never be used to treat viral illnesses in individuals under the age of 19. While buffered aspirin contains a buffering agent such as MgO to minimize the acidic side effects of aspirin, this does not mitigate the risk of Reye's syndrome in children.
Therefore, the answer to the question is: b) Children should not be given aspirin due to the risk of Reye's syndrome. It is important for Wrenda to be aware of this risk and avoid giving her child aspirin, despite it being buffered. Consultation with a pediatrician is always advisable when considering medication for a child, especially in light of the potential for such serious side effects.