Question

The LPN is assigned by the RN charge nurse to care for a 3-year-old with Reye's Syndrome. The child's temp is 39.1 (102.4) & the LPN is preparing to administer ASA PO. What action should the charge nurse implement?

A) Administer the ASA as ordered
B) Consult with the HCP before administering ASA
C) Administer acetaminophen instead of ASA
D) Administer ibuprofen instead of ASA

Answer 1

The charge nurse should consult with the healthcare provider before administering ASA and consider administering acetaminophen instead.

Step-by-step explanation:

Reye's Syndrome is a complication of influenza that primarily affects children and teenagers. It causes swelling in the liver and brain and can lead to neurological damage, coma, or death. It is associated with the use of aspirin during viral infections.

Given the child's condition and the recommendation by the CDC and other agencies to never use aspirin in children under 19 years old during viral illnesses, the charge nurse should consult with the healthcare provider before administering ASA. Option B, Consult with the HCP before administering ASA, is the correct action to take in this scenario.

Instead of administering ASA, the charge nurse may consider administering acetaminophen (Tylenol) as a fever reducer. Acetaminophen does not have the same association with Reye's Syndrome as aspirin and is commonly used to treat fever in children. Option C, Administer acetaminophen instead of ASA, would be an appropriate alternative.