Reye Syndrome

A 9-year-old recovering from influenza has repeated vomiting and is now difficult to arouse. The change in consciousness—not the vomiting alone—should shift the nurse from routine postviral care to emergency assessment. Reye syndrome is a rare, life-threatening pediatric emergency involving acute encephalopathy and hepatic dysfunction. The condition can progress quickly to cerebral edema, seizures, coma, and death. Diagnosis and stabilization proceed together; do not wait for every investigation before arranging pediatric critical-care transfer. Preventing exposure to aspirin during a viral illness remains the central safety measure.