drug exposure symptoms??

[nursekoll, BSN, RN]

Hi, I'm hoping someone can help. What kind of symptoms would you see in an elementary student that was/ is exposed to meth second-hand at home? And what do you do when you suspect this situation? I saw a 3rd grader with general malaise, headache, nausea, no fever, no vomit, no diarrhea. Other staff members told me the parent is "on a bender" and is known in the community for being a meth user. Now I don't know what to do next, please advise.

[nursekoll, BSN, RN]

I don't like the idea of acting on heresay, but also don't want the kid to be in an unsafe situation.

[BrisketRN, BSN, RN]

I've never been in this situation, but I would get a full set of vitals, do a neuro assessment, talk with the student, keep those records and consult the school counselor/social worker if you have one.

[BettyGirard, BSN]

Doesn't sound like meth exposure, but often meth users have other stuff going on (like marijuana use). It might be withdrawal symptoms though. Alas, this would fit into my opinion of a mandatory report (yes and as Biscuit says, full exam and write down everything you observe).

[ruby_jane, BSN, RN]

39 minutes ago, BiscuitRN said:

I've never been in this situation, but I would get a full set of vitals, do a neuro assessment, talk with the student, keep those records and consult the school counselor/social worker if you have one.

Ask one of your upper grade pals if the district has an intoxication assessment. You won't likely see anything in secondhand exposure if there is such but it would firm up documentation. Also - don't rule out student just being sick or tired if their home life is chaotic. Hang in there.

[nursekoll, BSN, RN]

Thanks. It's hard sometimes being the only nurse around! I'm so glad for the sounding board. The student was not showing anything abnormal as far as vitals or neuro assessment. Wanted to go home, so not avoiding that. Not much history, as the family is new to the district. Counselor was unaware of the reported concern, but will now keep an eye out for anything more concrete as far as needing reported to HHS. Administration and all involved staff are now keeping a watchful eye for this kid. This job is heartbreaking sometimes.

[RatherBHiking, BSN, RN]

2 hours ago, nursekoll said:

This job is heartbreaking sometimes.

I never realized just how MANY kids were living in less than ideal situations until I became a school nurse. Many pets get treated better. It's sad.

[nursekoll, BSN, RN]

3 minutes ago, Blue_Moon said:

I never realized just how MANY kids were living in less than ideal situations until I became a school nurse. Many pets get treated better. It's sad.

?Ain't that the truth!

[OldDude]

6 hours ago, nursekoll said:

I don't like the idea of acting on heresay, but also don't want the kid to be in an unsafe situation.

Good practice. Acting on hearsay will get you sued - or worse. Be completely objective and if you didn't see it with your own eyes or hear it with your own ears don't put that into your formula to decide if immediate intervention is required. Otherwise it's a straight up CPS referral decision.

[BettyGirard, BSN]

Just because you heard information from another person doesn't absolve you from making a mandatory report (at least not in my state), and mandatory reporters face protections over what arises from those reports.