asthma but no inhaler at school: wwyd?

[Sudsy]

Preschool student with mild asthma, usually triggered by uri. Mom says she "always knows" when he will need and will send inhaler to school if necessary but she doesn't want to spend $ on getting another one just for school "which he will probably never use". Parents live about 30 mins from school.

What do you think? If I insist, they will probably get. While I'm sure they're not millionaires, this is not the difference between them having food and not having.

Thanks for the input.

[aTOMicTom]

Just remind the parents that if you have to call EMS they'll be out $250 (or whatever EMS charges near you) and the ER charges... That should do it.

How much do inhalers cost, anyway? This is pretty ridiculous.

Of course the real answer to your question will be in the school's policies, I bet.

[dansamy]

Proair costs $60 WITH my insurance.

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[aTOMicTom]

I admit that's far more than I thought, but still...

[dansamy]

We previously had a plan where it was $80, I think.

My son has one inhaler. He carries it as needed. We don't use it a lot. He's home schooled so having a school one is a moot point.

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[JenTheSchoolRN, BSN, RN]

Can mom send it with him every day and it can be sent home with him each day? Just like she'd pack his lunch/snack, she could pack his inhaler.

[Nurse ABC]

The bottom line is you can't make mom send it. I would go ahead and insist in a doctor's order so when he does have an URI and she drops it off you can administer it. Otherwise, if he has an asthma attack and it's mild call mom to bring it in but if he's in respiratory distress just call 911.

[Jolie, BSN]

Most doctors and clinics in our area keep a supply of sample inhalers to dispense to newly diagnosed asthma patients who may not be able to immediately fill a prescription. They only contain about 20 puffs, but that would probably be more than enough for school purposes.

I would suggest working with Mom to see if the doctor's office would provide one, or if a drug company would supply one. I am not a fan of sending inhalers back and forth. Heck, my kids couldn't seem to hold onto their mittens and lunches, let alone life-saving medications.

Good luck.

[mc3, ASN, RN]

Yikes! Our school policy prohibits all students from carrying a medication to school. What if they "shared" it, or an older student took it away from them? It happened in our district...

First, I would document the conversation. Then I would inform the parent that I would call them if something happened, but policy dictates I would call 911 first in cases of respiratory distress. I have had parents who have not brought in inhalers, and I've had to call 911 before because of it.

Good grief! The doctors offices here will give parents a sample inhaler if they can't afford it.

mc3

[schooldistrictnurse]

As always depends on your State.

In WI it's the law that kids can carry inhalers. Of course, there is a discussion about being responsible, etc, etc.

[skoolrn, BSN, MSN, RN]

I have an "emergency inhaler" paid for by grant money and standing orders for the inhaler and prn neb treatment. So many parents have no idea how bad asthma can be because their child rarely needs treatment.

[Wave Watcher]

Our kiddos can carry their inhaler and epi pen if needed in their back pack. These items are life saving meds. I look at the doctors orders and if they say the child is not recommended to carry their own meds on them at school then it stays in my clinic. If a parent has marked asthma (we have tons) on their history form but I do not have inhaler....I send them a letter asking them to state whether the child needs one at school or not. If they say "yes" and I never receive one after a follow up then it's on them. I have done all I can do. EMS will be called if needed. The parents can deal with it. I don't have time to chase down 50 kids with Asthma.