A nurse is obtaining a health history from an adolescent who they suspect is experiencing physical maltreatment. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Rationale:

A. Acetaminophen: Acetaminophen is generally considered safe during pregnancy when used at recommended doses. It is commonly used to treat mild pain and fever without significant risk to the fetus.

B. Saline nasal spray: Saline nasal sprays are non-medicated and safe for use during pregnancy. They help relieve nasal congestion without systemic absorption or risk to fetal development.

C. Levothyroxine: Levothyroxine is a thyroid hormone replacement that is safe and essential during pregnancy for clients with hypothyroidism. Untreated hypothyroidism poses greater risks to both mother and fetus than the medication itself.

D. Ibuprofen: Ibuprofen is contraindicated, especially during the third trimester, due to risks such as premature closure of the ductus arteriosus, oligohydramnios, and delayed labor. Acetaminophen is preferred for pain relief in pregnancy.

Rationale for Correct Choices:

• Reye's syndrome: The toddler's worsening condition including vomiting, lethargy, and altered consciousness after a viral illness (influenza A) is consistent with Reye’s syndrome, which affects the liver and brain. The progression from mild viral symptoms to neurologic decline without respiratory compromise further supports this diagnosis.
• Aspirin administration: Giving aspirin during a viral illness in children is a well-known precipitant of Reye’s syndrome. The caregivers' report of alternating aspirin with acetaminophen confirms the exposure necessary to trigger the condition in a susceptible child.

Rationale for Incorrect Choices:

• Gastroenteritis: While vomiting is a feature of gastroenteritis, the absence of diarrhea and the presence of neurologic changes like lethargy and poor responsiveness make this unlikely. Additionally, the clear vomiting and lack of fluid intake without prior GI focus suggest another etiology.
• Bronchitis: Bronchitis typically causes a productive cough with wheezing, chest discomfort, and possible fever. This toddler's lungs are clear with a nonproductive cough, and neurologic signs are not typical of bronchitis.
• Acetaminophen administration: Acetaminophen is safe and commonly used to treat fever in toddlers. It is not associated with hepatic encephalopathy or neurologic complications seen in this scenario.
• Oseltamivir administration: Though oseltamivir may cause gastrointestinal side effects like nausea or vomiting, it does not explain the altered mental status and lethargy. It is also unlikely to cause such a significant clinical deterioration on its own.