The School Nurse Has A Unique Role In The Provision Of ✓ Solved

The School Nurse Has A Unique Role In The Provision Of

The school nurse has a unique role in the provision of school health services for children with special health needs, including children with chronic illnesses and disabilities with various degrees of severity. This case describes the role of the school nurse caring for a child with type 1 diabetes. Susan has two students with type 1 diabetes in her school, one requires blood glucose monitoring and daily insulin injections, while the other has a continuous insulin infusion pump.

The incidence of type 1 diabetes presents a complex challenge to school healthcare providers. Type 1 diabetes ranks as the second most common chronic illness in childhood, second only to asthma. The American Diabetes Association (ADA, 2015) reports that about 193,000 Americans under age 20 live with diabetes and 17,900 are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes annually, and another 5,300 with type 2 diabetes.

Children with diabetes are considered disabled and as such are protected under federal laws that prohibit discrimination against children with disabilities. Studies show that the majority of school personnel have an inadequate understanding of effective diabetes management. It is best for the student to monitor blood glucose and respond to the results as quickly as possible to avoid possible complications.

Paper For Above Instructions

The role of the school nurse is integral in managing the health needs of students, particularly those with chronic conditions like type 1 diabetes. A diabetes medical management plan (DMMP) is essential for students with type 1 diabetes in school settings. This plan should include individualized instructions regarding blood glucose monitoring, insulin administration, recognition and management of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, and emergency procedures (American Diabetes Association, 2015).

For each student with diabetes, the DMMP must clearly outline the frequency of blood glucose checks, the target blood glucose range, and the necessary actions in response to high or low readings. It should also specify the type of insulin used, including dosages and timing in relation to meals and activities (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 2020). Additionally, the plan should detail communication protocols among parents, healthcare providers, and school personnel, ensuring that all involved parties understand their responsibilities.

When the school nurse is unavailable, the legal responsibility for providing care to a child with diabetes typically falls to trained school personnel, as outlined in the DMMP provided by the child's healthcare team (American Diabetes Association, 2015). These trained individuals are expected to follow the established protocols in the DMMP, ensuring the child's safety and well-being during school hours. Furthermore, schools should foster an environment of education and support, equipping staff with the knowledge needed to manage diabetes effectively and sensitively.

References

• American Diabetes Association. (2015). Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes—2015. Diabetes Care, 38(Supplement 1), S1-S94.
• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2020). Type 1 Diabetes in Children and Adolescents. Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/what-is-diabetes/type-1-diabetes-children