Limited protein?

[abcnurse77]

Hello:

What would you do when you have a student with limited amount of protein for school? Can teacher give out protein-free snacks to students during classroom treats? Would you include reading ingredients on snacks and example of protein-free snacks for students at school? Mom does not want to approve snacks prior to classroom treats. Mom keeps saying child can eat whatever child wants but doctor's note indicates limited amount of protein.

Thank you!

[OldDude]

I run across this occasionally; The last time it was a note from the physician to "limit" protein. When I asked for written instructions form the MD to define "limited" by way of how many grams and at what time, along with a diagnosis so we could implement a 504 plan the whole thing went away. So unless you have more measurable or quantifying data it's impossible to implement anything at school.

[Flare, ASN, BSN]

agreed, unless we're given some sort of number to work with, how can we limit? Guidelines are key.

[Spidey's mom, ADN, BSN, RN]

Exactly - we need more information.

[abcnurse77]

Thank you for the comments. The doctor did write a specific amount of protein. Let's say 5g of protein. The doctor confirmed for that 5g is for the entire school time. So during lunchtime, we already make sure child receives just less than or equal to 5g of protein. What mom wanted to do is to have child eat whatever child wants to eat regardless of protein - of course, i can't do this for child's safety of course. I wanted to know if it's ok to list protein-free snacks and to check ingredient list to make sure no protein is listed as 0 for the serving size and make sure child eats just the serving size for the protein listed. I'll fax it to the doctor for approval. since mom is uncooperative, and the doctor is pretty approachable for clarification of orders. Thank you!!!

[abcnurse77]

anyone?

[NutmeggeRN, BSN]

How old is the child? Are they going to eat whatever they want anyway? I would try to clarify with MD and document what you have made available, how the school is not providing any more than the order. That should cover you legally.

[abcnurse77]

Thank you! I just wanted to know if besides the lunch and breakfast that must come within the amount of protein required. Can teachers give protein-free snacks to the student? If so, what kinda snacks can I put on the health action plan (candies? or any snacks with no protein 0 on nutrition labels?)

[fetch, BSN, RN]

Thank you! I just wanted to know if besides the lunch and breakfast that must come within the amount of protein required. Can teachers give protein-free snacks to the student? If so, what kinda snacks can I put on the health action plan (candies? or any snacks with no protein 0 on nutrition labels?)

These questions should be clarified with the MD and with your district. If you have a district physician, health coordinator, or nursing supervisor for the district, they should be able to help. If not, try contacting other nurses in your district. Laws and policies vary so much by district and by state that we can't give you exact answers.

[abcnurse77]

Thank you for your help… hmm… I have none of these helpers you mention… other nurses recommend letting the teachers determine jointly with parents but mom insists that child can eat whatever and no need to worry about the amount of protein - I disagree however… MD did say that snacks must be given within the protein amount… So maybe I can just call and ask the MD if any protein-free snacks as labeled on the nutrition labels or pure sugar candies are ok… hmm… I'd probably just fax these over to the student's MD then… Thank you!