CSN Mental Health & Behavioral Support Flashcards

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:

Answer: Immediately report the suspicion to child protective services as a mandated reporter

School nurses are mandated reporters in all US states and must report suspected child abuse immediately without needing proof or supervisor approval.

The school nurse is assisting in developing a reintegration plan for a student returning after a psychiatric hospitalization. Which action is MOST important?

Answer: Coordinate with the treatment team, parents, and school staff to create a gradual return-to-learn plan with appropriate supports

A coordinated, gradual return-to-learn plan developed collaboratively supports the student's successful reintegration and prevents relapse.

A student with autism spectrum disorder becomes dysregulated and engages in self-injurious behavior in the health office. The nurse's FIRST response is:

Answer: Reduce environmental stimulation, speak calmly, and implement the student's known de-escalation strategies from their behavior plan

Reducing sensory input and using individualized de-escalation strategies from the student's behavior support plan is the safest evidence-based first response.

Following a student suicide at school, the nurse's role in the postvention response includes:

Answer: Participating in the crisis response team, identifying at-risk students, and providing grief support resources

School nurses are integral to the crisis response team during postvention, identifying vulnerable students and coordinating mental health support.

A student reports that a classmate has been making threats of violence on social media. The school nurse's appropriate action is:

Answer: Report the threat to school administration and document the report immediately

Threats of violence must be reported to administration immediately; the school nurse documents the report and participates in the threat assessment process.

Which statement BEST describes the school nurse's role in a student's Section 504 plan for a mental health condition?

Answer: The nurse provides medical documentation, recommends health-related accommodations, and monitors implementation of health-related plan components

The school nurse contributes medical expertise, recommends health accommodations, and monitors compliance for health-related components of a student's 504 plan.