A nurse is caring for a child with gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Which dietary change should the nurse recommend?

Choice A rationale

Projectile vomiting and confusion are highly concerning symptoms in a child with suspected Reye syndrome. Projectile vomiting indicates increased intracranial pressure, and confusion reflects encephalopathy, both of which are hallmark signs of the severe neurological involvement in Reye syndrome.

Choice B rationale

Fever and cough are common symptoms of many childhood illnesses, particularly respiratory infections. While Reye syndrome can sometimes follow a viral illness, fever and cough alone are not specific indicators of this condition.

Choice C rationale

Mild headache is a relatively non-specific symptom and can be associated with various conditions. While headache may occur in the early stages of some illnesses, it is not the most concerning symptom suggestive of Reye syndrome.

Choice D rationale

Muscle aches can be associated with viral infections, which sometimes precede Reye syndrome. However, muscle aches alone are not as concerning as the neurological symptoms of confusion and increased intracranial pressure indicated by projectile vomiting.

Choice A rationale

Allergic reactions to food items typically manifest with systemic symptoms like hives, angioedema, vomiting, or diarrhea, in addition to skin manifestations. While a rash can occur, the localized nature of the dry, scaly patches on the hands, specifically after using a new hand soap, makes a food allergy less likely as the primary cause.

Choice B rationale

Irritant contact dermatitis is a localized inflammatory reaction of the skin caused by direct contact with an irritating substance. New scented hand soaps often contain chemicals and fragrances that can disrupt the skin barrier, leading to erythema, dryness, and scaling, particularly on areas frequently exposed like the hands. The absence of vesicles or oozing supports an irritant rather than an allergic reaction.

Choice C rationale

Fungal infections of the skin, such as tinea manuum, typically present with scaling, redness, and sometimes vesicles or pustules. While a pet can be a source of fungal infections, the recent introduction of a new hand soap makes an irritant reaction a more probable cause than a fungal infection, which usually develops more gradually.

Choice D rationale

Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by itchy, red, and scaly patches. While it can affect the hands, it often has a history of exacerbations and remissions and may be associated with other atopic conditions like asthma or allergies. The sudden onset after using a new product points more towards contact dermatitis rather than an eczema flare-up in a child with no significant medical history.