policy questions

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do u guys send students home for what is described as "the runs?" (x1) i really did not want to but the teacher kind of insisted so i sent him home. (not feeling well and have no fight in me today) our policy states they will be sent home in case of diarrhea........ i think they meant true running to the b/r q 5 mins........... not so in this case. what is your policy? might have to make some changes.........

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Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.

Our district policy broadly states that students may be sent home for evidence of undiagnosed/untreated communicable conditions. That leaves a lot up to our discretion.

If a student has one loose stool, but otherwise feels well, shows no evidence of illness and believes s/he can control his/her need to use the bathroom, I would not insist on sending him home.

If a student is known to have a health condition (such as celiac) or be on a medication that puts him/her at risk for diarrhea, I would make sure the child has immediate access to a bathroom to use at his/her discretion, has extra clothes (just in case) and keep him in class.

If a student has diarrhea combined with a fever, rash, N/V, or believes s/he may be unable to get to the bathroom on time, home he goes.

It's simply a matter of not exposing others to a potential contagion.

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Specializes in School Nursing.

Isn't diarrhea defined by frequency, not consistency of stools? If I am remembering correctly it is. In that case, one episode of loose stools is NOT diarrhea and I would not dismiss a student for a single episode (unless there are other concerning s/s).

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Specializes in school nursing, ortho, trauma.

i agree -one loose stool does not a diarrhea make. Liquid stools are more in line, but in my experience, they usually come frequently with cramping.

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yeah thats what i thought too. will have to revisit the policy...... supv is on maternity leave. am i in charge ?;)

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