Recognition and treatment of anaphylaxis in the school setting: the essential role of the school nurse

Abstract

Since anaphylaxis is unpredictable, rapid in onset, and potentially life threatening, it is critical for school staff to recognize and respond to its symptoms quickly. The symptoms of anaphylaxis can be challenging to differentiate, particularly in school-age children who may have trouble explaining what they are experiencing. School staff must understand the distinctive ways in which children describe and manifest anaphylactic symptoms, and the school nurse has a key leadership role in providing this training. The school nurse should create and coordinate individualized emergency care/action plans for students with known allergies, as well as a comprehensive care plan for all students, to ensure a safe environment and a rapid response to any life-threatening allergic reaction. This should include having epinephrine stocked and readily accessible so that it can be given promptly in the case of an anaphylactic emergency.

Keywords: allergy; anaphylaxis; asthma; emergency action plan; epinephrine; nurse; school; training.