Are elementary students allowed to carry pedialyte in school

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Specializes in LTC.

Do you require a parent note for students to drink pedialyte in school. Dad requested to the secretary that his daughter come to the HR and drink it. I haven't yet talked to dad about it ? I'm not sure if we need a written note from him or something.

I'm not trying to be too picky, I'm just not sure.

Any advice would be great !

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Specializes in Cath Lab, OR, CPHN/SN, ER.

I wouldn't think so. I'm compare it to giving a student gatorade. If they make a big deal out of it, have him go get her some gatorade instead!

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Specializes in School Nursing.

why would they need to come to the health room to drink it ?? just drink it during lunchtime. geeezzz....why do parents make it so difficult ??

praiser :heartbeat

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Specializes in Cath Lab, OR, CPHN/SN, ER.

Better question- What does she need pedialyte for?

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Specializes in LTC.
Better question- What does she need pedialyte for?

Vomiting, but this was a couple of days ago when I sent her home. I told dad to increase her fluid intake I didn't know he wanted her to come to the HR 10 times a day to drink it !

The secretary and I agreed ( for once) that she don't need to miss class time to drink pedialyte in the HR !

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Specializes in School Nursing.

My only thought is to make sure the child and teacher know that she is NOT to share with the other kids. Not that it would hurt them, but you know some parent would freak if their kid got even a sip of it!

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Specializes in LTC.

Thanks everyone for the excellent advice !

I love the fact that I can come on here and get all of my questions answered !

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Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.

I would consider Pedialyte to be an OTC medication. If your district allows students to carry and self-administer OTC meds, then I guess this would be no different.

If a parent's note is required for the staff to store and administer OTC meds, then you have the responsibility to evaluate the child to determine whether it is necessary. For a normal, healthy child who had vomiting a few days ago, I doubt that it is needed. If she is truly in need of rehydration, she doesn't belong at school. If Dad wants her to have it regardless of your assessment, let him come in and give it.

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Specializes in School Nursing.

I still don't understand why she would need pedialyte if she is well enough to come back to school.

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