School Nurse

Nurse's Notes

• Any temperature over 100.0 is a fever.
• Your child may return to school after he/she is fever-free for 24 hours without medication.
• DO NOT GIVE YOUR CHILD ASPIRIN.  CAN CAUSE REYES SYNDROME.
• If fever persists for more than 2 days, increases to over 102, or symptoms continue to worsen, contact your child's primary care provider.
• Drink extra fluids every 15 to 60 minutes.
• Get extra rest and eat light meals.

• DO NOT GIVE YOUR CHILD ASPIRIN.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Use moist air from vaporizer to help relieve congestion.
• Contact your health care provider if:

• • breathing difficulties occur
  • you cough up green or yellow phlegm that has a bad odor
  • fever persists or
  • you feel sicker each day instead of feeling better.

• Drink water and/or sports drinks.
• BRAT diet until diarrhea stops - Banana, Rice, Applesauce, Toast.  Resume regular diet as soon as tolerated.
• Contact your healthcare provider if cramps, diarrhea or pain increases or if you suspect dehydration.

• Clear liquids only (not milk) until 4 hours have passed without vomiting.  Start with one tablespoon every 10 minutes.  If vomiting does not occur, double the amount every hour.  If vomiting does occur, allow the stomach to rest for 1 hour then start again.  Key is to gradually increase the amount of fluids until taking 8 ounces every hour.
• No solids for 8 hours.
• Resume normal diet as soon as tolerated.
• Contact your primary care provider if vomiting persists or you suspect dehydration.

• More than one episode of vomiting and/or diarrhea, especially if there is a rash, weakness and/or fever (check with your physician).
• Bad cough or difficulty breathing (check with your physician immediately).
• Strep throat, scarlet fever, or ear infection – follow the 24 hour rule – fever free and on an antibiotic for 24 hours before returning to school.
• Temperature over 100.0 degrees.  The student can return when his/her temperature is normal for 24 hours without medication.
• Students with the common cold may come to school if you believe they feel well enough to make it through the entire school day and are able to concentrate on their schoolwork.  The school nurse does not have cold medicine to administer to your child, so either give some to him/her before they leave school or send some to the nurse with a note stating when it should be given.  They should wash their hands frequently and use tissues to wipe their noses – please encourage this at home.

• Keep the effected area clean and dry.
• Change the bandage in 24 hours or sooner if it becomes soiled.
• Notify your healthcare provider if sign of infection develop such as swelling, red streaking, drainage or pus, pain or fever.

• Elevate and rest the affected area of the body to reduce swelling and pain.
• Apply ice packs or cold compresses for 20 minutes every 3-4 hours for the first 48 hours.  Wrap cold pack in a towel minimize risk of frostbite injury. 
• Notify your doctor immediately if the injured area becomes grossly swollen, discolored, cold or numb, or if the injured limb is unable to hear moderate pressure or body weight.
• Ask your healthcare provider to recommend over the counter medication to help relieve pain and inflammation.
• Contact your healthcare provider if not better in 48 hours.

• Visit the Centers for Disease Control for facts about concussion and brain injury http://www.cdc.gov/concussion/signs_symptoms.html#4.