School Nurse Flashcards

Health records kept by a school nurse employed by a public school district are generally governed by which federal law?

Answer: FERPA

Health records maintained by a school district are education records protected under FERPA, not HIPAA.

Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, a student qualifies for accommodations when they have:

Answer: A physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity

Section 504 covers impairments that substantially limit a major life activity, even when special education isn't needed.

Who is responsible for developing a student's Individualized Healthcare Plan (IHP)?

Answer: The school registered nurse

Writing the IHP is a nursing function that uses the nursing process, so the school RN develops it.

A student with a known peanut allergy has hives, throat tightness, and wheezing after lunch. What should the school nurse do first?

Answer: Administer intramuscular epinephrine

Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis and should not be delayed.

When a school RN delegates a task to unlicensed assistive personnel, the RN:

Answer: Keeps accountability for the delegation decision and supervision

The RN stays accountable for choosing to delegate, training the delegate, and supervising the task.

A school nurse is required to report suspected child abuse when they have:

Answer: Reasonable suspicion of abuse or neglect

Mandated reporters must report on reasonable suspicion; they don't need proof or administrator approval.

During scoliosis screening, the school nurse asks the student to bend forward at the waist with arms hanging down. This is called the:

Answer: Adams forward bend test

The Adams forward bend test shows rib or lumbar asymmetry that suggests scoliosis.