Hemophilia

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Anyone have any kiddos in their school with hemophilia? I have my first one (ever) this year and I'm slightly intimidated by it. The good and bad news is that the student's mom also works at our school. Its both a blessing and a curse really.

Those of you who have hemophilia in your school:

Do you keep every classroom FULLY stocked with supplies they MIGHT need?

Do you have a set protocol for this particular situation?

What type of emergency education do you provide for your staff who will be in contact with the student?

Thanks in advance for your help!

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Specializes in school nursing, ortho, trauma.

I had a kiddo but he graduated last year. Mom was not employed in the school, but was readily accessible and is very well versed. I often joked with her that she should go back to school for phlebotomy since she's so good at accessing veins already. The hemophilia center was ready and willing to work with me and provide education to the staff and training to me. I felt really fortunate to have them near by.

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It would be helpful if we knew the age of the student. You also need to know the answers to these questions: What is the severity of his hemophilia? Does he have inhibitors? Is he on prophylaxis? Does he self-infuse (many learn around age 7)? Does he have a port?

In general, you do not need to stock any special supplies in classrooms. However, you should have a dose of clotting factor on hand and infusion supplies at your office (preferably refrigerated). Presumably, the mother is adept at mixing the factor and accessing his veins or the port.

Most bleeds are into the joints: you are unlikely to see external bleeding. Teachers should send student to your office if he complains of joint pain or other problems (joint pain is typically treated with a dose of factor). The only true emergency you may encounter on campus might occur if the student sustains a hard blow to the head, which may cause intracranial bleeding and requires immediate infusion of factor. National Hemophilia Foundation has educational materials for teachers and nurses and your local Hemophilia Treatment Center may also provide training for you or the staff (as might the parent).

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MedScape just released a new Hemophilia in Nursing CEU, not sure how relevant it would be to the school setting, but it might be worth a try.

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MedScape just released a new Hemophilia in Nursing CEU, not sure how relevant it would be to the school setting, but it might be worth a try.

Thank you! I think it would be helpful anyway!

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