Mixed Deck — All CSN Topics Flashcards

Which source is considered the standard of practice for individualized healthcare plans in U.S. school nursing?

Answer: NASN's guidance and the Scope and Standards of School Nursing Practice

The National Association of School Nurses and the school nursing scope and standards guide IHP development.

A student with sickle cell disease reports sudden severe pain in their chest and arms and is having difficulty breathing. What condition should the school nurse suspect and how should they respond?

Answer: Acute chest syndrome; activate EMS and notify parents immediately

Chest pain with dyspnea in a student with sickle cell disease suggests acute chest syndrome, a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate EMS activation.

Why should school nurses participate in policy development?

Answer: To ensure that health policies meet the needs of students and comply with laws.

School nurses should participate in policy development to ensure that health policies meet the specific needs of students and comply with relevant laws. Their expertise provides a crucial perspective on the practical implications and effectiveness of policies, ensuring they are student-centered, evidence-based, and legally sound. This involvement strengthens the overall health framework of the school.

How should a nurse respond to a change in patient condition during care planning?

Answer: Immediately assess, intervene if within scope, and notify the provider using SBAR

Prompt assessment, appropriate intervention, and structured communication using SBAR ensures rapid response to changes in patient condition.

What infection control measure is most critical during care planning procedures?

Answer: Performing hand hygiene before and after every patient contact

Hand hygiene before and after every patient contact is the single most effective measure for preventing healthcare-associated infections.

How can school nurses help ensure a healthy school environment?

Answer: By following health policies, conducting screenings, and educating students and staff.

School nurses help ensure a healthy school environment by following health policies, conducting screenings, and educating students and staff. These actions proactively identify health concerns, prevent the spread of illness, and empower the school community with health knowledge. Their comprehensive approach contributes significantly to a safe and supportive learning atmosphere.

A student with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes enrolls mid-year. Which document should the school nurse develop FIRST to guide daily nursing care at school?

Answer: Individualized Healthcare Plan (IHP)

The IHP is the nursing care plan the school nurse writes to direct daily health management, and it can later inform 504 or IEP accommodations.

How should a nurse respond to a change in patient condition during medication administration?

Answer: Immediately assess, intervene if within scope, and notify the provider using SBAR

Prompt assessment, appropriate intervention, and structured communication using SBAR ensures rapid response to changes in patient condition.

A school nurse covers four buildings. Which strategy BEST ensures care plans are carried out when the nurse is not on site?

Answer: Share the relevant EAPs with appropriate staff, provide training, and set a clear communication and supervision plan

Sharing need-to-know plans with trained staff and maintaining supervision ensures continuity of care when the nurse is not present.

Which statement is the BEST example of a measurable student outcome in an IHP for a student with asthma?

Answer: The student will demonstrate correct inhaler technique with a spacer to the school nurse by October 30.

A measurable outcome names an observable behavior, the criteria, and a time frame.

Which four elements must a plaintiff prove to establish nursing negligence or malpractice?

Answer: Duty, breach of duty, causation, damages

Negligence requires a duty owed, a breach of the standard of care, proximate causation, and actual damages.

A student with ADHD receives a stimulant at noon. Which outcome is most appropriate for the medication section of the IHP?

Answer: The student will report to the health office for the noon dose on 95% of school days, as documented on the medication administration record.

A measurable, realistic adherence goal with a documented data source supports evaluation of the plan.

Why should schools implement healthy eating programs?

Answer: To promote overall health and academic success.

Schools should implement healthy eating programs primarily to promote overall health and academic success. Good nutrition is directly linked to improved physical health, better concentration, and enhanced cognitive function, all of which contribute significantly to a student's ability to learn and perform well academically. It supports both their immediate well-being and future potential.

A student falls from playground equipment, complains of neck pain, and has tingling in the hands. What is the nurse's priority?

Answer: Manually stabilize the head and neck in the position found and activate EMS

Neck pain with neurologic symptoms suggests possible spinal cord injury, which requires immobilization and EMS.

A student with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt arrives with a headache, vomiting, and unusual lethargy. What should the nurse suspect?

Answer: Possible shunt malfunction with increased intracranial pressure, requiring urgent notification and medical evaluation

Headache, vomiting, and a change in alertness are classic signs of shunt obstruction and need emergency evaluation.

Which planning step should come right after the school nurse identifies nursing diagnoses for a student?

Answer: Establish expected outcomes and goals

In the nursing process, outcome identification and planning follow diagnosis and come before implementation.

How should a nurse prioritize tasks related to clinical procedures?

Answer: Based on the acuity and urgency of patient needs

Task prioritization in nursing should always be based on patient acuity and the urgency of clinical needs.

A student's asthma action plan uses green, yellow, and red zones. The student has a peak flow at 65% of personal best and is coughing. Which action does the plan direct?

Answer: Give the quick-relief medication per the yellow-zone instructions and monitor response

A peak flow of 50 to 79% of personal best is the yellow zone, which calls for quick-relief medication and reassessment.

A student with severe peanut allergy has no other impairment and does not require specially designed instruction. Which law most appropriately provides for accommodations at school?

Answer: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act

Section 504 covers students whose impairment substantially limits a major life activity even if they do not need special education.

What assessment technique is fundamental to infection control?

Answer: Systematic head-to-toe assessment combined with patient interview

A systematic head-to-toe assessment combined with patient interview provides the comprehensive data needed for safe nursing care.