A nurse is caring for a child who has influenza. The nurse should identify which of the following statements by the parent indicates the child has an increased risk for Reye syndrome.

Choice A: Loosening restrictive clothing is not the priority action, but rather a secondary action for a child who is having a tonic-clonic seizure and vomiting. A tonic-clonic seizure is a type of seizure that involves the stiffening of muscles (tonic phase) followed by jerking movements (clonic phase). Loosening restrictive clothing can prevent injury or discomfort to the child during or after the seizure.

Choice B: Placing a pillow under the child's head is not the priority action, but rather an inappropriate action for a child who is having a tonic-clonic seizure and vomiting. A pillow under the head can obstruct the airway or cause aspiration of vomitus into the lungs. The nurse should remove any pillows or objects from around the head and neck area and support the head with their hands or on a flat surface.

Choice C: Clearing the area of hazards is not the priority action, but rather a secondary action for a child who is having a tonic-clonic seizure and vomiting. Clearing the area of hazards can prevent injury or harm to the child or others during or after the seizure. The nurse should remove any sharp, hard, or flammable objects from near or under the child and move any furniture or equipment away.

Choice D: Positioning the child side-lying is the priority action for a child who is having a tonic-clonic seizure and vomiting, as it can protect the airway and prevent aspiration of vomitus into the lungs. Aspiration can cause pneumonia, which is an infection of the lungs that can cause fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or death. The nurse should turn the child's head to one side and place them on their side with their knees bent and one arm under their head. The nurse should also suction any vomitus from their mouth and nose if needed.

Choice A reason: This choice is incorrect because mumps is not the common name for pertussis. Mumps is a viral infection that causes inflammation of the salivary glands, especially the parotid glands. It may cause symptoms such as fever, headache, and swelling of the cheeks or jaw. It can be prevented by vaccination with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Choice B reason: This choice is correct because whooping cough is the common name for pertussis. Pertussis is a bacterial infection that causes severe coughing spells, which may be followed by a high-pitched whoop sound or vomiting. It may cause complications such as pneumonia, seizures, or brain damage, especially in infants and young children. It can be prevented by vaccination with the diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTaP) vaccine.

Choice C reason: This choice is incorrect because the fifth disease is not the common name for pertussis. The fifth disease is a viral infection that causes a rash on the face, trunk, and limbs, which may resemble a slapped cheek appearance. It may cause mild symptoms such as fever, runny nose, or joint pain. It usually affects children and is self-limiting.

Choice D reason: This choice is incorrect because chickenpox is not the common name for pertussis. Chickenpox is a viral infection that causes an itchy rash with fluid-filled blisters all over the body. It may cause symptoms such as fever, headache, or loss of appetite. It can be prevented by vaccination with the varicella-zoster (VZV) vaccine.