Final answer:
Children treated with aspirin during a viral infection may develop Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious condition that causes swelling of the brain and liver, which can be fatal. The CDC recommends against giving aspirin to children under 19 years old with viral infections. correct answer is C) Reye·s syndrome.
Step-by-step explanation:
The condition that may occur in children who are treated with aspirin for a viral infection is Reye's syndrome.
Reye's syndrome is a rare but serious condition that affects the liver and brain, leading to rapid onset of liver dysfunction and neurological symptoms, such as confusion or seizures, which could progress to coma or even death. It primarily affects children and teenagers recovering from a viral infection, such as the flu or chickenpox. The exact cause of Reye's syndrome isn't fully understood, but it has been linked to the use of aspirin or aspirin-containing products during a viral illness. Because of this potential risk, health authorities, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), advise against administering aspirin to children or teenagers with viral infections. As an alternative, acetaminophen or ibuprofen is recommended for managing fever or pain in this age group. To avoid the risk of developing Reye's syndrome, it is crucial for caregivers and patients to be vigilant about reading medication labels, especially in over-the-counter cold and flu remedies, as some might contain aspirin.