The father of a 7-year-old boy reports to the nurse that two or three times over the past weeks he has observed his son seemingly staring into space and rubbing his hands.
The behavior lasts for a minute or so, followed by an inability of the child to understand what's being said to him. When the nurse asks the child about his experience, he says he doesn't know what his father is talking about. The symptoms this child is exhibiting might indicate the child is having:
A) simple partial sensory seizures.
B) simple partial motor seizures.
C) complex partial seizures.
D) absence seizures.
Question 2
Six-year old Isabelle has been complaining of headache, coughing, and an aching chest. The care provider makes a diagnosis of a viral infection.
The child's mother tells the nurse that when Isabelle first complained of a headache, the child's father gave her half of an adult aspirin. The mother has heard of Reye syndrome and asks the nurse if her child could get this. Which of the following statements would be best for the nurse to say to this mother?
A) This might or might not be a problem. Watch Isabelle for signs of lethargy, unusual irritability, confusion, or vomiting. If you notice any of these, bring her to the emergency room immediately so she can be checked for Reye syndrome.
B) This is a serious problem. Aspirin is likely to cause Reye syndrome, and Isabelle should be admitted to the hospital for observation as a precaution.
C) This is unlikely to be a problem. Half an aspirin is not enough to cause harm. Reye syndrome generally only develops from prolonged use of aspirin in connection with a virus.
D) This might or might not be a problem. Watch Isabelle for signs of nasal discharge, sneezing, itching of the nose or dark circles under the eyes. If you notice any of these, bring her to the emergency room immediately so she can be checked for Reye syndrome.