Assessing the student on drugs

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What does your assessment consist of for students who are believed to be on drugs? (I am a nurse at the middle school level) Adminstration brings them to me to be checked out and make sure their stable. I do a full set of vitals and check their pupils and alertness and orientation. Also pay attention to any odors.

I think it's difficult to assess students while on drugs, especially when the amphetamine causes my penlight to shake.

Wait...what are we assessing for again?

Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

Have you seen: Naloxone in Schools Toolkit

National Association of School Nurses (2015). Naloxone use in the school setting: The role of the school nurse (Position Statement).

NASN website also has info re "Drugs of Abuse" teen prescription drug abuse

Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).
What does your assessment consist of for students who are believed to be on drugs? (I am a nurse at the middle school level) Adminstration brings them to me to be checked out and make sure their stable. I do a full set of vitals and check their pupils and alertness and orientation. Also pay attention to any odors.

At my son's school all parents sign an consent for UDS which can be done randomly or for suspicion.

If they appear altered they should be sent to ER for evaluation.

Hppy

Specializes in Home Health (PDN), Camp Nursing.
We are not allowed to have stock Nalaxone in our clinics, but our resource officers have it in their offices. There is an "agreement for it's use" if he is not there. I would not be able to stand by and let a kid die all the while knowing I had access to the medication that could save them. I totally know the potential consequences, but I couodn't live with myself if I let a kid die.

I wouldn't give Narcan even if I had it. Support respiratory effort with a BVM and call EMS. Let them deal with it, and titrate the Narcan rather than giving a big nasal dose.

The latest craze in my school is vaping. Fortunately, it seems like they are only vaping nicotine while in school and reserving the cannabis for their weekend parties. Crafty little buggers are even cutting holes into their hoodies so they can hide their juul or whatever in there. The e-vape doesn't leave a stench on them and if they are using thc oil, there isn't much of a smell on them. As far as assessment goes, it's pretty much a safety assessment. VS, balance, gaze, etc. Like previously stated, a modified police sobriety test is what I use however I make it clear to the administrator /teacher / whomever is making the claim of possibly impairment that I am unable to make the determination of under the influence or not. I can only give an opinion of whether or not I feel the child is safe to remain in school or has results different from their norm.

There are actual "vape" hoodies, shirts and backpacks out there. Designed to vape or juul without anybody knowing. Hoodies, Backpacks and Gear with Integrated Vapor Delivery System! – Vaprwear

Lots of marketing towards teens as well... arg.

And the flavor pods are not nicotine free...

Specializes in school nursing, ortho, trauma.

hmmm... what'll they think of next? I'll have to be on the look out for those "drawstrings". Thanks for the info, Purplewave

I work K-3, so thankfully have not dealt with this. But curious what the point is? Is it so admin can call the parents and send the kid home, saying they can't be in school? Or for disciplinary actions? Just curious. I feel like it's one thing if it a safety issue, but I would hate to have the responsibility to be the one deciding if a kid warrants disciplinary action, etc. I can already see certain parents trying to say the school nurse is wrong, can't diagnose, etc.

I had to pull out my high school assessment sheet (similar to the one posted) one day at our K-4 for a sub teacher who was possibly under the influence.

Luckily (for me) instead of coming to me for assessment like the principal told her, she snuck out the back door and drove off, never to be seen by us again. I did NOT want to be involved in a teacher's discipline!

Narcan- We do keep it and we have used it in the high school along with CPR. Gave the kid an extra 2 years. :down:

Great form! Are the two dashes after each sympton for either yes or no?

It's for Yes or No answer

I'm not a school nurse, but after reading the consistency among all of you in your responses, it makes me really glad to see you advocating for the students and not allowing your position to be used in unethical manners! You guys rock!

Specializes in kids.
Narcan- We do keep it and we have used it in the high school along with CPR. Gave the kid an extra 2 years. :down:

ugh....

Specializes in kids.
I'm not a school nurse, but after reading the consistency among all of you in your responses, it makes me really glad to see you advocating for the students and not allowing your position to be used in unethical manners! You guys rock!

That is an intersting post. Do you see a nursing speciality that DOES do that?

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