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The nurse is speaking on the phone with the mother of a pediatric client a 9 year old girl. The mother is seeking advice for the care of her daughter who has developed influenza and is displaying symptoms including fever, congestion, sore throat, stomach ache, mild diarrhea, and headache.

Which of the following statements made by the mother requires immediate intervention

1 Answer

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Final answer:

Immediate intervention for the girl's influenza symptoms is needed if she shows severe or acute symptoms indicative of potential complications. Aspirin should be avoided due to the risk of Reye syndrome, and any concerning symptoms like difficulty breathing or persistent vomiting require medical attention.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the case of the 9-year-old girl with influenza symptoms, the statement that requires immediate intervention would be any indication of severe or acute symptoms that could suggest complications from the flu, such as difficulty breathing, high fever not responding to fever reducers, severe muscle pain, signs of dehydration, or changes in mental status. It is important to monitor for worsening symptoms, considering the serious cough and potential for pneumonia as noted in the case of 6-year-old Tracy who had bacterial pneumonia caused by Haemophilus influenzae. Moreover, should the child display any symptoms such as persistent vomiting, severe headache, or skin rashes, it would be imperative to seek medical attention as these could be signs of more severe illnesses or conditions like Reye syndrome or meningitis, which can develop as complications from the flu.

An additional concern, specifically for children, is the risk of Reye syndrome when given aspirin for treating viral infections. It is recommended to avoid aspirin and seek alternative fever reducers and pain relievers. With proper care, most children will recover from influenza without complications, but those with underlying health issues or those who develop concerning symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

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