How do you triage your asthmatics/sudo-asthmatics? I'm elementary & have some students that routinely receive prn MDIs before PE/recess per mom. Others are just prn. If a student presents with complaints of dyspnea, I assess their lung sounds. If clear, sometimes I just offer sips of warm water to "cool down", sometimes I just send them back (usually my everyday right after recess kids). Of course I get questioned by the classroom teachers:banghead:
I have the avoiders that just want to come for their inhaler to get out of class. Often they come in directly from recess, where they've been running like crazy with no problem, are winded & think they need it, or because they can't transition from lunch/recess back to class, and the Health Office is the "escape hatch". I know them pretty well by now.
I am also an ER nurse per diem, so I feel that I maybe too cynical at times. Just wondering how some of you handle this "Epidemic" of prescribed inhalers.
Specializes in Cardiology, School Nursing, General.
I let them use their inhalers, no questions asked. I rather give them what they need than getting burned by parents because I didn't let them take their inhalers.
Specializes in Cardiology, School Nursing, General.
Do you guys know where I can get some peak flows for me? I have a severe asthmatic student and mother keeps saying she'll bring me his peak flow but I haven't gotten it and I do need it because this kid doesn't tell me how he really feels.
Do you guys know where I can get some peak flows for me? I have a severe asthmatic student and mother keeps saying she'll bring me his peak flow but I haven't gotten it and I do need it because this kid doesn't tell me how he really feels.
If you have budget money - I believe you can order one thru School Nurse Supply. I have an old one in my office that has disposable mouth pieces.
Amethya
1,821 Posts
I let them use their inhalers, no questions asked. I rather give them what they need than getting burned by parents because I didn't let them take their inhalers.