Question

A 9-year-old male who moved to the United States from Canada one year ago presents to your clinic with a three day history of fever, sore throat, and muscle aches. He lives at home with his parents who practice strict vegetarianism, and he does not eat meat of any kind. He is up to date on all vaccinations, and review of his medical records indicates that he has had several episodes of otitis media in the last five years. He was hospitalized twice in the past, once for a splenic rupture sustained in a MVA, and the second time was two months ago when he was diagnosed with Kawasaki disease for which he was put on daily aspirin. You suspect a viral infection and order the appropriate tests.

Which of the following is the greatest risk factor for complications of your suspected diagnosis in this patient?
The best option is indicated below. Your selections are indicated by the shaded boxes.
A. Recent immigrant
B. Splenectomy
C. Long-term aspirin therapy
D. Age < 10
E. Decreased Vitamin B-12

Answer 1

Long-term aspirin therapy is the greatest risk factor for complications in this patient with a suspected viral infection. the correct option is C. Long-term aspirin therapy

Step-by-step explanation:

The greatest risk factor for complications of the suspected diagnosis in this patient is long-term aspirin therapy.

Given the patient's history of recent diagnosis with Kawasaki disease and being on daily aspirin therapy, there is an increased risk for developing Reye's syndrome if he has a viral infection. Reye's syndrome causes swelling of the brain and can be fatal. It is important for patients on long-term aspirin therapy to avoid taking aspirin when they have a viral infection.

Other risk factors mentioned in the case, such as recent immigrant status, splenectomy, age < 10, and decreased vitamin B-12 levels, are not directly related to the suspected diagnosis and do not carry as high of a risk for complications as long-term aspirin therapy in this case.