Hello. I hope you have some good time to reflect on this week's challenge questions. Please see below for the answers and rationale. Happy studying! and reflecting!
Question 1: A newly enrolled student is homeless, lacks immunization records, has limited English proficiency, and frequently reports hunger. Which nursing plan BEST addresses the student's immediate needs?
A. Arrange interpreter services, connect the family with meal resources, and coordinate record retrieval.
B. Complete a comprehensive health assessment, refer the student for counseling, and monitor attendance.
C. Collaborate with teachers regarding classroom accommodations and evaluate academic performance.
D. Schedule follow-up visits, review community resources, and communicate with previous schools.
Answer: A. Arrange interpreter services, connect the family with meal resources, and coordinate record retrieval.
Rationale: This response addresses the student's most immediate barriers to health and educational access. Interpreter services facilitate accurate communication with the student and family, meal resources address food insecurity, and the coordination of the retrieval of immunization records supports compliance with school requirements without delaying enrollment. The plan reflects both the nurse's role in addressing social determinants of health and the protections afforded under the McKinney-Vento Act.
Domain 3. School Nurse Health Practice Considerations
References:
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Brous, E. (2025). The law and school nursing practice. In Shannon, R.A. & Yonkaitis, C.F. (Eds.), School nursing: A comprehensive text (4th ed., pp. 106–125). F.A. Davis.
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Donahue, E. & Galemore, C. (2025). Health promotion and screening in schools. In Shannon, R.A. & Yonkaitis, C.F. (Eds.), School nursing: A comprehensive text (4th ed., pp. 255-291). F.A. Davis.
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Reising, A. (2025). Disease prevention and management in schools. In Shannon, R.A. & Yonkaitis, C.F. (Eds.), School nursing: A comprehensive text (4th ed., pp. 292-316). F.A. Davis.
Question 2: A 9-year-old in 4th grade with asthma requires a rescue inhaler at school. Physician orders were received and a parent permission slip provided for the student with medication in the clinic. The student's teacher frequently sends him to the nurse after wheezing starts. As a result, the student is missing instructional time during asthma episodes. What would be the best option to support this student?
A. Educate the student to recognize early symptoms and self-administer medication per the asthma action plan prior to wheezing.
B. Store the inhaler in the nurse's office in a locked cabinet for safety reasons.
C. Instruct the teacher to limit the child's activity including strenuous exercise during recess and physical education.
D. Ask the parent to medicate the child before and after school.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Promoting independence through self-management is age-appropriate and consistent with best practice. Options b, c, and d fail to address timely symptom control. Asthma medications should always be available for student use in the nurse office. Be sure to review their asthma triggers, and develop an individualized health plan according to the current medical orders
Remember that an IHP should capture case management activities, such as monitoring of health status;medication administration; serving as a liaison between school, home, and healthcare providers; emergency action
plan development and staff training; and teaching asthma self-care.
Domain: 2. Health Promotion /Disease Prevention and 4. Professional Responsibility.
Reference: R. Shannon, & C. Yonkaitis, C. (Eds.). (2025). School Nursing: A Comprehensive Text (4th edition). F.A. Davis Company. P 157-159, 510-513.
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Alana Parker MSN-Ed, BSN, RN, NCSN
Mesa, AZ United States
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