A parent reports giving aspirin to their 8-year-old child for fever. Two days later, the child develops persistent vomiting, lethargy, and confusion. Which complication should the nurse suspect?

A. Febrile seizure: Febrile seizures occur in young children with sudden high fevers, usually under age 5, and involve brief convulsions. They do not typically present with prolonged vomiting, lethargy, or confusion days after aspirin use. B. Reye syndrome: Reye syndrome is a rare but serious condition associated with aspirin use in children during viral illnesses. It causes acute encephalopathy and liver dysfunction, presenting with persistent vomiting, lethargy, confusion, and potential seizures. Early recognition and supportive care are critical to prevent severe complications. C. Viral gastroenteritis: Gastroenteritis can cause vomiting and mild lethargy, but it usually presents with diarrhea and less severe neurological symptoms. Confusion and persistent lethargy are atypical, making this diagnosis less likely in the context of recent aspirin exposure. D. Acute bacterial meningitis: Meningitis presents with fever, headache, nuchal rigidity, photophobia, and altered mental status. While some symptoms overlap, the history of aspirin exposure in a child with prior viral illness strongly suggests Reye syndrome rather than bacterial meningitis.