Would you let them sit for picture day?

[k1p1ssk, BSN, RN]

I have a 6th grade student who, two weekends ago had a suspected seizure. He was on his PSP in his room with his brother. I don't know much else other than he lost consciousness, 911 was called and he woke up in the ambulance. ER gave initial restrictions of no "flashing screens or video games, no activities without supervision". His PCP followed up with no screens at all, particularly videos with flashing, no heights, no swimming/bathing without supervision. He was not allowed (by his doctor's/my recommendation and parents' subsequent decision) on the class caving trip on Monday.

Picture day is today. I'm assuming his parents have paid for photos, but a room full of flashbulbs going off seems counter-intuitive given the MD's restrictions. I told him he shouldn't go and he was bummed. There is a make-up day in a few weeks.

Anyone else ever been in this or a similar position? Did I make the right call?

[Eleven011]

I think you were right to be cautious. Did you talk with parents about what they wanted him to do? Here in our school, we are small enough, I would have had the photographers stop a minute, walked him to the front of the line, had them snap his picture, and then walked him out.

We have something here called "cosmic bowling" that our local alley does. Its basically turn off all the lights and turn on colored disco balls. Its used as a party/reward a lot for end of year, ect. We have a couple kids that have to stay back for the same reason.

[k1p1ssk, BSN, RN]

It honestly didn't even cross my mind to monitor him during the shoot until after the photogs were already gone; Luckily there is the "makeup day", so he will still be able to get the pictures done no worries. I'm hoping we'll have better information by then anyway!

[NutmeggeRN, BSN]

You have time to connect with the parent and get a release to talk to the MD and get their perspective. Also ask the photographer if the pic can be taken without a flash? Maybe outside?

[ruby_jane, BSN, RN]

Overabundance of caution is never bad. Don't second guess yourself - if you were wrong and he had a seizure it's a completely different conversation, no?

[Jedrnurse, BSN, RN]

With today's digital cameras, will there be flashes?

[Kooky Korky, BSN, RN]

Make the parents and MD decide.

[k1p1ssk, BSN, RN]

On 10/4/2019 at 1:51 PM, Jedrnurse said:

With today's digital cameras, will there be flashes?

Oh absolutely; Professional photogs rely on them heavily.