A 4-year-old with fever of 103.2°F presents; prehospital treatment includes all of the following EXCEPT:

A 4-year-old with fever of 103.2°F presents; prehospital treatment includes all of the following EXCEPT:

• A. Providing high-flow oxygen
• B. Administering 81 mg of aspirin
• C. Establishing vascular access
• D. Rapid transport

Answer: (B)

The key concept is that aspirin should not be given to a child with fever because of the risk of Reye syndrome, a serious condition causing brain swelling and liver dysfunction that is linked to salicylate use during viral illnesses. In the prehospital setting, a 4-year-old with high fever would be managed with supportive measures and safety-focused steps: provide high-flow oxygen if there is hypoxia or respiratory distress, establish vascular access to administer fluids if needed, and proceed with rapid transport to a facility for further evaluation and treatment. These actions help address potential dehydration, inadequate perfusion, or serious infections while awaiting definitive care. Avoiding aspirin is the correct approach; fever in children is typically managed with acetaminophen or ibuprofen (when appropriate and dosing is safe), not with aspirin.

The key concept is that aspirin should not be given to a child with fever because of the risk of Reye syndrome, a serious condition causing brain swelling and liver dysfunction that is linked to salicylate use during viral illnesses. In the prehospital setting, a 4-year-old with high fever would be managed with supportive measures and safety-focused steps: provide high-flow oxygen if there is hypoxia or respiratory distress, establish vascular access to administer fluids if needed, and proceed with rapid transport to a facility for further evaluation and treatment. These actions help address potential dehydration, inadequate perfusion, or serious infections while awaiting definitive care. Avoiding aspirin is the correct approach; fever in children is typically managed with acetaminophen or ibuprofen (when appropriate and dosing is safe), not with aspirin.