Question

Jeff is a 7 year old orphan boy from China. He has been in the orphanage since the age of 2. He was sent to the orphanage at this time as he began to experience severe seizures ranging from a few seconds to several minutes. He received several surgeries in China to correct the seizures, but was unable to be helped. He was placed on anti-seizure medication, but due to poor medical resources, the medication treatment was outdated and he continued to suffer many years.

Jeff was adopted into a loving American family in August. Though the family has been able to provide him with the best medical care, he still has severe seizures. Jeff does not speak English. He is developmentally delayed. He has several physical impairments related to walking. He has behavior issues related to his time in the orphanage, as well as his current life transition. He takes oral medication for his seizures several times a day and has rectal Diastat that may need to be administered in case his seizure lasts greater than 5 minutes…which is often.

Jeff will begin to attend public school for the 2018-19 school year. His family is very excited for him to attend school, however they have no other children and do not know what to expect for Jeff and what is available within the school district to help him. As the school nurse, you will play a major role in getting Jeff the resources he needs. Unfortunately, you are new to school nursing. This puts you at risk for a potential legal risk as a school nurse regarding the care of Jeff.

Question: Delegate appropriately and safely. You work with health room tech who is a RN. As the CSN what roles will you delegate to her in Jeff’s case? Who else will have significant roles that need delegated by you? Explain what roles can/cannot be legally delegated.

Answer 1

1. The roles that can be delegated to the health room technician are:
• Maintaining Jeff's health records
• Updating immunization details
• Providing first aid
• Assisting the school health nurse in screening programs
• Clerical tasks
• Administers oral medication or rectal administration of medication in case of emergency.
2. The teachers and other staff members of the school who are dealing with the class which Jeff belongs to have significant role and should also be aware and delegated work.
3. The CSN can delegate works like first aid and illness and emergency care to the students.