The purpose of the general healthcare plan is to provide employees general information for commonly diagnosed student health conditions. This general information is not all inclusive, and additional student healthcare information may be provided by the School Nurse throughout the school year. Keep a copy of the General Healthcare Plans for reference, as well as making the general healthcare plans available for substitutes. Contact the School Nurse for additional information.
ASTHMA
Asthma occurs when there is swelling or spasm of the bronchial tubes associated with shortness of breath.
THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT ASTHMA
Common triggers: Colds and other viral infections, chemical or environmental irritants, exercise and overexertion, air pollution and stress
Symptoms of an asthma attack may include: Wheezing, coughing, difficulty in breathing, a feeling of tightness in the chest, a bluish color in the lips and nail beds
IMPORTANT: Any student requiring an inhaler should have it available at all times including field trips.
STEPS TO TAKE IN AN ASTHMA EMERGENCY
- Buzz the front office immediately. If necessary, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) should be called.
- If the student carries an inhaler, allow the student to self-administer.
- If the medication is kept in the fr o n t office, determine whether it is quicker for the staff to come to the student or for someone to escort the student to the front office. DO NOT SEND THE STUDENT ALONE.
- Help the student sit up with shoulders relaxed.
- Encourage the student to drink water. (This may help to thin the mucus.)
SEIZURES
Epilepsy is a common neurological condition. It is the general term for more than 20 different types of seizure disorders. It is not contagious. There are two main categories: convulsive and nonconvulsive.
In recognizing a seizure the student may be:
- Staring into space
- Not responding
- Smacking lips/chewing
- Moving aimlessly
- Staggering or falling
- Remaining rigid Jerking all/parts of the body
STEPS TO TAKE IN A CONVULSIVE SEIZURE EMERGENCY:
- Buzz the front office immediately and time the seizure.
- Help the student to lie down. Remove glasses and loosen tight clothing. Cushion head. Clear the area of any hard objects. Turn head to let saliva drain. Observe and protect the student until conscious.
- Do not put anything in the student’s mouth. Do not restrain or try to move the student. Do not argue with or confront the student.
- If the seizure lasts 5 minutes or longer, call EMS.
SEVERE ALLERGIES
An allergic reaction is an acquired hyper-sensitivity to a substance that does not normally cause a reaction. The reaction may range from mild, self-limited symptoms to rapid death.
Common causes of allergy:
Insect stings (bees and wasps) Nuts(peanuts, pecans and other nuts) Medications Industrial or office chemicals/vapors
What to look for:
A sudden onset of symptoms, usually beginning within 15 minutes after exposure to inciting agent, often result in the more severe type of reaction (anaphylaxis).
Symptoms may include the following:
Respiratory difficulty
- Feeling of fullness in throat
- Change in quality of voice
- Feeling of apprehension
- Sweating and weakness
- Tingling sensation around mouth or face
- Nasal congestion
- Wheezing
- Hives
- Itching
- Low blood pressure with weak, rapid pulse
- Loss of consciousness/shock
IMPORTANT: Closing of the air passages from swelling (laryngospasm) can occur without warning or any of the above symptoms. Seek help immediately for any difficulty in breathing. Do not wait for more symptoms. The Epi-pen injection is an emergency medication for anaphylaxis. Any student requiring an Epi-pen MUST have the Epi-pen available at all times including field trips. If the Epi-pen or other rescue medication is administered, call EMS immediately.
STEPS TO TAKE IN A SEVERE ALLERGY EMERGENCY:
- Buzz the front office immediately. If necessary, Emergency Medical Services(EMS) should be called.
- If the student carries an Epi-pen or other rescue medication, allow the student to self- administer. Give privacy and reassurance.
- If the medication is kept in the fr on t office, determine whether it is quicker for the staff to come to the student or for someone to escort the student to the front office. DO NOT SEND THE STUDENT ALONE.
- Document the student’s symptoms, what the student was doing just prior to the reaction, and if applicable, time at which the Epi-pen or other rescue medication was administered.
DIABETES
Diabetes is a condition in which the body cannot use food normally because the pancreas does not produce enough insulin. Insulin carries glucose to the cell to be used as fuel. Without insulin, glucose is not properly carried to the cell but instead remains in the bloodstream, building to dangerous levels. Serious symptoms and life threatening conditions can result from this build-up.
A person with Type 1 Diabetes has to inject insulin at least once a day or may wear an insulin pump. An insulin pump works like an external pancreas and delivers a small amount of insulin continuously.
LOW BLOOD SUGAR
- Onset: Sudden
- Signs: Feeling shaky, poor coordination, anger, bad temper, pale color, confusion, disoriented, sudden hunger, sweating, eventual stupor and unconsciousness
- Causes: Failure to eat before strenuous exercise or after insulin bolus from the pump, delayed or missed meals, or too much insulin
- General Treatment: Provide food (high carbohydrate: juice box, sugar tablets, cheese or peanut butter crackers)
HIGH BLOOD SUGAR
- Onset: Gradual
- Signs: Drowsiness, extreme thirst, frequent urination, flushed skin, vomiting, fruity or wine-like odor on breath, heavy breathing, eventual stupor or unconsciousness
- Causes: Insulin not taken, pump malfunction, stress, illness or too much food or drink taken in
- General Treatment: May need additional insulin per doctor’s orders
STEPS TO TAKE IN A DIABETIC EMERGENCY
- Buzz the front office immediately. If necessary, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) should be called.
- If the student carries supplies, allow student to self-administer.
- If the supplies are kept in the office, determine whether it is quicker for the staff to come to the student or for someone to escort the student to the office. DO NOT SEND THE STUDENT ALONE.
ATTENTION DEFICIT WITH HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER
ADHD/ADD is a behavioral condition in which children have difficulties paying attention and focusing on tasks.
Some of the medicines commonly prescribed are:
- Adderall
- Concerta
- Vyvanse
- Ritalin
- Focalin
- Bupropion
- Dexedrine
- Strattera
- Daytrana
- Methylphenidate (i.e. Ritalin, Metadate, Concerta, etc.)
Most common medication side effects are:
- Headaches
- Vomiting
- Tics
- Stomach pains
- Irritable
- Loss of appetite
- Dizziness
- Trouble sleeping
- Nausea
- Nervousness
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Blurred vision
- Agitation
NOTE: Continuous complaints of the above side effects may be communicated to the parents.