Question 1: While attending a student IEP meeting the parents make the claim that the student’s behavior issues and absences are due to the school nurse not administering the morning ADHD medication on time and on a consistent basis. Which of the following methods will ensure accuracy and safety of medication administration?
A. The nurse only verifies medication count when she suspects a discrepancy.
B. When medication is presented to the nurse by a parent, the nurse counts and records the number of pills after the parent leaves the clinic.
C. The nurse empowers the student to actively participate in their healthcare by being responsible for coming in for medication.
D. The nurse administers the medication according to policy, at scheduled time and includes documentation of the administration after giving medication.
Correct Answer: D. The nurse administers the medication according to policy, at scheduled time and includes documentation of the administration after giving medication.
Rationale: Accurately collecting, counting and documenting medications are essential to student safety and safe medication administration.
Domain: 4. Professional Responsibility
Reference: Shannon, R. A., & Yonkaitis, C. F. (Eds.). (2025). School nursing: A Comprehensive Text (4th edition.). F. A. Davis Company. P. 738-748.
Selekman, J. & Knox, E. (Eds.). (2025). School Nursing Certification Review. (4th edition). National Board for Certification of School Nurses. P. 111, 116, 248.
Question 2: A parent of one of your students is inquiring about the need for the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine. They begin with whether their child really needs this vaccine since it is not required for school and since they are a boy, age 12 and not sexually active. Your best answer would be:
A. Explain the vaccine should be given at age 9.
B. Vaccine is only about preventing cancer in those sexually active.
C. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that kids get the HPV vaccine to prevent six cancers at a younger age when they have a stronger immune response.
D. There are only a few cancers which can be prevented in boys, that is why it is not required for school.
Correct Answer: C. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that kids get the HPV vaccine to prevent six cancers at a younger age when they have a stronger immune response.
Rationale: The AAP does recommend the child receive the HPV when they are younger, as it provides better protection against 6 HPV cancers including cervical, vaginal, vulvar, oropharyngeal, penal, and anal. Although the vaccine can be given beginning at age 9, this child is already 12 and the AAP recommends the series between ages 9 and 12. HPV affects cancers in boys and girls. The recommended dose schedule is 2 doses between age 9-12. Three doses if given after age 15.
Domain: 2. Health Promotion /Disease Prevention
Reference: Selekman, J. & Knox, E. (Eds.). (2025). School Nursing Certification Review. (4th edition). National Board for Certification of School Nurses.P.196-197.
American Academy of Pediatrics Website, Overview of HPV: https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/immunizations/human-papillomavirus-vaccines/?srsltid=AU7gw4V_PcU3BMje4167femGT7o7snLA0rpJK2fRguAY8JKPLFCxv47-, 9/14/26.
R. Shannon, & C. Yonkaitis, C. (Eds.). (2025). School Nursing: A Comprehensive Text (4th edition). F.A. Davis Company. P. 311, 436.
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Alana Parker MSN-Ed, BSN, RN, NCSN
Mesa, AZ United States
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