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I know there has to be more to this story. I really hope that nurse documented everything she saw and did.

Early on in my school nurse career I went to a workshop put on by the local children's hospital. I asked the respiratory therapist if all values were normal (no wheeze, no cough, good PSO2) and the only symptom the student was complaining of was chest tightness, should I withhold the inhaler? Nope, the answer was never withhold the inhaler....ever. Words I still live by: "You don't want to be that nurse, the one who took the inhaler away."

Boy in hospital after mother says he was denied inhaler at school

Specializes in IMC, school nursing.
^^^Yes!^^^ If this student has had this condition since 1st grade, why did Mom not have the proper paper work completed in the clinic. Parents get lazy and don't do what they are supposed to, and then want to blame someone when something happens.

This is why I have NO regrets sending emails explaining EMS is a ten minute response and brain death occurs in four. Do not put me in a position where I know what to do but do not have the tools to do it. I never want to replay the what ifs because the inactions of a parent.

Specializes in kids.
Yes. What paperwork?

Oh, I dunno...maybe a current Medication Permission form signed by parent AND prescriber, a current asthma action plan, or diabetic care plan, or Epi pen plan or EMERGENCY TREATMENT PERMISSION!!!!!!

I know, I am very needy today

Oh, I dunno...maybe a current Medication Permission form signed by parent AND prescriber, a current asthma action plan, or diabetic care plan, or Epi pen plan or EMERGENCY TREATMENT PERMISSION!!!!!!

I know, I am very needy today

I knew, silly. I just wanted to crank you up.

Specializes in kids.

I knew you knew or is that I know you know?? Not sure either way, we know and thats what matters!

Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.
I knew you knew or is that I know you know?? Not sure either way, we know and thats what matters!

I know Far knew you know she knew you both knew what you were talking about.

Specializes in School nursing.

I won't withhold an inhaler even if I don't have the order and the inhaler is clearly labeled as belonging to the that student. And man, oh man, if I had a dollar for every inhaler I've seen without a stitch of paperwork... And yes, HS students and paperwork, haha!

But if this student was admitted for 3 days, I wonder if the inhaler was given if it would have avoided the ED visit or not. Kids can decline quickly. This story feels incomplete to me as several of you already noted. Did the nurse call the mom? Was mom coming to give inhaler? Was plan made to call EMS?

I had one student with severe asthma use her inhaler at school (student had orders and asthma action plan, but no neb order at the time) and report no relief. Continued to complain of chest tightness. 02 sat fine, slight wheeze upon auscultation that resolved after inhaler use but something still felt "off," so student remained with me for observation. Ten minutes later respiratory rate was way up and she was coughing non-stop. I called EMS. Vitals back to normal with EMS, yet at ED, decline. Student was admitted for 2 days. Came back to school with a neb order.

I'm not an asthma expert, though this job has increased my knowledge of asthma 1,000-fold. Every student is different and a decline can present differently. I knew the above student and that student's patterns well. That is why orders and asthma actions plans are so DARN IMPORTANT.

Specializes in IMC, school nursing.

The Cliff Notes version of a news story. A few things to note. This happened yesterday, the chance for the school to respond was limited due to business hours. The second part that we all seem to forget, not following protocols not only puts us in jeopardy of our jobs, but our licenses. You can find another job, not another license. Asthma exacerbation is a continuum that slides from better to worse. This seems to be a sensational news piece, plain and simple.

Specializes in School Nurse. Having conversations with littles..
The Cliff Notes version of a news story. A few things to note. This happened yesterday, the chance for the school to respond was limited due to business hours. The second part that we all seem to forget, not following protocols not only puts us in jeopardy of our jobs, but our licenses. You can find another job, not another license. Asthma exacerbation is a continuum that slides from better to worse. This seems to be a sensational news piece, plain and simple.

MrNURSE- Where have you been? We have been missing you!!

Specializes in kids.
I know Far knew you know she knew you both knew what you were talking about.

Exactly! You get me!!!!

Specializes in IMC, school nursing.
MrNURSE- Where have you been? We have been missing you!!

Awww, thanks! We started September 13 and I am here about half time, splitting the week with my wife, who is anti-AN. Will be enjoying my days I can with my coworkers.

Specializes in kids.
Oh, I dunno...maybe a current Medication Permission form signed by parent AND prescriber, a current asthma action plan, or diabetic care plan, or Epi pen plan or EMERGENCY TREATMENT PERMISSION!!!!!!

I know, I am very needy today

And please note, the kid gets the inhaler, EVERY. SINGLE. TIME!

Specializes in School Nurse, past Med Surge.

I read that today, too. I wondered if she didn't have an active order, why not just call 911? And then I thanked my lucky stars that we have orders for emergency albuterol.

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