CSN Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CSN facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Examining for visual impairments is the nurse. Which pupil would require a recommendation for an eye doctor? → A student with 20/90 in the right eye and 20/80 in the left eye.
2. What is the primary goal of health education in schools? → To educate students about healthy habits and disease prevention.
3. A student is brought to the health office with a 2-inch laceration on the forearm that is bleeding heavily. Which intervention is the FIRST priority? → Apply direct pressure with a clean cloth or gauze
4. Why is confidentiality important in professional practice for school nurses? → It helps maintain trust and ensures compliance with laws.
5. A student with asthma arrives at the school nurse's office with mild wheezing and an oxygen saturation of 95%. What is the most appropriate first action? → Administer the student's prescribed short-acting bronchodilator (rescue inhaler)
6. A student reports that a classmate has been making threats of violence on social media. The school nurse's appropriate action is: → Report the threat to school administration and document the report immediately
7. Why should school nurses participate in policy development? → To ensure that health policies meet the needs of students and comply with laws.
8. How should a nurse prioritize tasks related to infection control? → Based on the acuity and urgency of patient needs
9. Which medical information must be provided to each state before a student can enroll in school? → Immunization record for the student.
10. A school nurse suspects a student may be experiencing abuse at home based on unexplained bruising and behavioral changes. The nurse's legal obligation is to: → Immediately report the suspicion to child protective services as a mandated reporter
11. A student is found unresponsive and not breathing normally. What is the school nurse's FIRST action? → Activate the emergency response system and call 911
12. How can a school nurse support professional ethics during an emergency? → By following established protocols and providing appropriate care.
13. How should a nurse respond to a change in patient condition during medication administration? → Immediately assess, intervene if within scope, and notify the provider using SBAR
14. What assessment technique is fundamental to patient care standards? → Systematic head-to-toe assessment combined with patient interview
15. Why should school nurses document student health assessments? → To maintain accurate health records for legal and care coordination purposes.
16. What is the primary purpose of school health policies? → To ensure a safe and healthy environment for students.
17. How should a nurse respond to a change in patient condition during clinical procedures? → Immediately assess, intervene if within scope, and notify the provider using SBAR
18. What is the nurse's primary responsibility in medication administration? → Advocating for patient safety and well-being
19. How should a nurse respond to a change in patient condition during care planning? → Immediately assess, intervene if within scope, and notify the provider using SBAR
20. How should a nurse respond to a change in patient condition during health assessment? → Immediately assess, intervene if within scope, and notify the provider using SBAR
21. Which screening tool is commonly used by school nurses to identify depression in adolescents? → Patient Health Questionnaire for Adolescents (PHQ-A)
22. When providing first aid for a student with a suspected fracture of the forearm, the school nurse should: → Splint the limb in the position found and immobilize joints above and below the injury
23. How can school nurses help ensure a healthy school environment? → By following health policies, conducting screenings, and educating students and staff.
24. What infection control measure is most critical during infection control procedures? → Performing hand hygiene before and after every patient contact
25. What is the nurse's primary responsibility in infection control? → Advocating for patient safety and well-being
26. How can school nurses maintain professional boundaries with students? → By establishing clear roles and professional limits.
27. What is the main purpose of health assessment in school nursing? → To identify health problems early.
28. What infection control measure is most critical during clinical procedures procedures? → Performing hand hygiene before and after every patient contact
29. What infection control measure is most critical during care planning procedures? → Performing hand hygiene before and after every patient contact
30. A student is found with a nosebleed that has lasted 20 minutes without stopping. The school nurse should: → Have the student lean forward, pinch the nose, and activate EMS if bleeding continues