CSN Emergency Response & First Aid Flashcards

A student is found unresponsive and not breathing normally. What is the school nurse's FIRST action?

Answer: Activate the emergency response system and call 911

Activating the emergency response system and calling 911 is the first step in any cardiac emergency to ensure advanced help is en route.

During an anaphylactic reaction, a student's epinephrine auto-injector has been administered. What is the next priority action?

Answer: Call 911 and transport to the emergency department

Even after epinephrine administration, the student must be transported to the ED because biphasic reactions can occur hours later.

A student arrives at the health office after a seizure. The seizure has stopped and the student is postictal. Which finding requires IMMEDIATE emergency activation?

Answer: The seizure lasted longer than 5 minutes

A seizure lasting more than 5 minutes is considered status epilepticus, a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate EMS activation.

A student sustains a suspected cervical spine injury after a fall. The school nurse should:

Answer: Immobilize the head and neck and avoid moving the student

Immobilizing the head and neck in the position found and avoiding movement protects against worsening a potential spinal cord injury.

Which action is MOST appropriate when a student presents with signs of a diabetic emergency but the nurse cannot determine if it is hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia?

Answer: Administer oral glucose if the student is conscious and able to swallow

If blood glucose cannot be checked and the student is conscious and able to swallow, giving oral glucose is safe because treating hypoglycemia with sugar is life-saving while mild additional glucose in hyperglycemia is not immediately harmful.

A student is suspected of having a severe asthma attack and does not have their rescue inhaler at school. The school nurse should:

Answer: Use a stock albuterol inhaler per standing orders and call 911 if no improvement

Many states allow schools to stock albuterol for emergencies; using it per physician standing orders while monitoring and calling 911 if needed is the appropriate protocol.