So, the season begins, "I have asthma and no inhaler at school."

Specialties School

Published

This happened to me last year about this time, and I was new to the school. I was shocked that a student could have a medical condition and no medication at school. Well a year later, and a year more jaded, allergy/asthma season is upon us again. I have had at least 5 students this week come in complaining about difficulty breathing, check my meds, and nope no inhaler. Luckily, O2-99%, HR

Specializes in kids.

Yes, yes it is!! It is a control issue (in response to Spideys mom)

Specializes in School Nursing.

Once I identify a student with asthma, I will send home an Asthma Action Plan that the physician will need to fill out. If no response, I will send #2. Still no response. That's it. If this student does present in the clinic having an asthma attack, I will call parents. If they can't be reached I will call 911 without hesitation. Usually when this happens, the parents will finally get us the inhaler for school use.

I worry about these asthmatics even more than my diabetics. If they totally close up from asthma......what then can I do ????

Once I identify a student with asthma, I will send home an Asthma Action Plan that the physician will need to fill out. If no response, I will send #2. Still no response. That's it. If this student does present in the clinic having an asthma attack, I will call parents. If they can't be reached I will call 911 without hesitation. Usually when this happens, the parents will finally get us the inhaler for school use.

I worry about these asthmatics even more than my diabetics. If they totally close up from asthma......what then can I do ????

That is what I did with these parents; every year. One time the kiddo had an inhaler in his backpack and we just kept it at school. Don't tell. :angrybird10:

I warned the new nurse about this family - I'm curious if they responded to her better than me as she is a "take no prisoners" type. :mad:

Once I identify a student with asthma, I will send home an Asthma Action Plan that the physician will need to fill out. If no response, I will send #2. Still no response. That's it. If this student does present in the clinic having an asthma attack, I will call parents. If they can't be reached I will call 911 without hesitation. Usually when this happens, the parents will finally get us the inhaler for school use.

I worry about these asthmatics even more than my diabetics. If they totally close up from asthma......what then can I do ????

Do you have a template for an action plan? I have never seen one.

I have orders on maybe 1/4 of my kids. I do have a Ventolin inhaler in my emergency bag that I have used on a girl 2-3 times. I was pretty mean the last time and she finally brought an order and her own.

Specializes in kids.
Do you have a template for an action plan? I have never seen one.

I have orders on maybe 1/4 of my kids. I do have a Ventolin inhaler in my emergency bag that I have used on a girl 2-3 times. I was pretty mean the last time and she finally brought an order and her own.

There are templates online

http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/files/docs/public/lung/asthma_actplan.pdf

I strongly agree with you that anyone who has asthma should have a rescue inhaler with them at all times. I have asthma myself and I would be afraid to be without my inhaler.

+ Add a Comment