Pediatric Nursing Demystified

There are five stages of Reye syndrome:

1. Viral infection


2. Recovery period


3. Intractable vomiting, confusion, agitation


4. Coma


5. Seizures, decreased respiration, decreased tendon reflexes

Nursing alert Children <15 years who exhibit fever and flulike symptoms

should be administered acetaminophen rather than aspirin. Alka Seltzer, Anacin,

Ascriptin, Bufferin, Pamprin, Pepto-Bismol, and Vanquish all contain aspirin.

Signs and Symptoms

Stage 1:

• Fever


• Flulike symptoms
  Stage 2:


• No symptoms
  Stage 3:


• Persistent and recurring nausea and vomiting


• Listlessness


• Irritability


• Combativeness


• Disorientation


• Confusion


• Increased blood pressure


• Increased pulse


• Hyperactive reflexes
  Stage 4:


• Loss of consciousness
  Stage 5:


• Decreased tendon reflexes


• Respiratory failure


• Delirium


• Convulsions


• Seizures

Test Results

Increased serum liver enzyme

Increased serum ammonia levels

Decreased serum glucose level

Liver biopsy to confirm liver damage

4

CHAPTER 10/ Neurologic Conditions^211