The Journal of School Nursing

Tourette syndrome (TS) is a neurobehavioral disorder that consists of simple and complex tics. This disorder can significantly affect a child’s self-esteem and academic success. Although some believe that only adults are affected, this disorder occurs most frequently in early childhood and symptoms decrease with age. Diagnosis of this disorder can be difficult due to the high incidence of comorbidity of other psychiatric illnesses, such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar disease, and depression. Early recognition of the disorder allows positive interventions geared toward controlling tics and provides an outlet for tic release. Children and families who are affected by the disorder may attempt to hide the behaviors due to embarrassment of tics. The school nurse is instrumental in working with parents, staff, and other children to assure understanding of the disorder, provide coordination of care, and provide a safe outlet for the child to release the stress of tics during the school day.

High school athletes represent the largest group of individuals affected by sudden cardiac death, with an estimated incidence of once or twice per week. Structural cardiovascular abnormalities are the most frequent cause of sudden cardiac death. Athletes participating in basketball, football, track, soccer, baseball, and swimming were found to have the highest incidence of sudden cardiac death. Screening of athletes prior to participation in competitive sports usually falls short of recommended guidelines. Poorly defined legislation and the absence of a national standard for sports physicals have contributed to inadequate health screenings of athletes. This article will describe the incidence and causes of sudden cardiovascular death in young athletes as well as guidelines intended to prevent this unfortunate problem.

School nurses play a crucial role in injury prevention and initial treatment when injuries occur at school. The role of school nurses includes being knowledgeable about the management of head injuries, including assessment and initial treatment. The school nurse must be familiar with the outcomes of a head injury and know when further evaluation is indicated. Developing a head injury protocol in the school setting is one strategy to make sure that all involved are able to consistently and effectively respond to a head injury and prevent a possible negative outcome. The combination of a protocol, nursing judgment, and best practices can ensure that all means are used to take care of children when a head injury is sustained. These strategies will help to increase the safety of children at school. A systematic approach to the management of these types of injuries is essential for preventing possible complications.

The presence of microorganisms on common classroom contact surfaces (fomites) was determined to identify the areas most likely to become contaminated. Six elementary classrooms were divided into control and intervention groups (cleaned daily with a quaternary ammonium wipe) and tested for heterotrophic bacteria. Three classrooms were also tested for norovirus and influenza A virus. Frequently used fomites were the most contaminated; water fountain toggles, pencil sharpeners, keyboards, and faucet handles were the most bacterially contaminated; desktops, faucet handles, and paper towel dispensers were the most contaminated with viruses. Influenza A virus was detected on up to 50% and norovirus on up to 22% of surfaces throughout the day. Children in the control classrooms were 2.32 times more likely to report absenteeism due to illness than children in the intervention classrooms and were absent longer (on average). Improved classroom hygiene may reduce the incidence of infection and thus student absenteeism.

Latino girls (Latinas) experience disproportionate rates of emotional distress, including suicidal ideation, which may be indicative of inadequate coping abilities. Prevention of mental health problems, a U.S. public health priority, is particularly critical for Latina adolescents due to lack of access to mental health treatments. The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of Project Wings, a 14-session stress management/coping intervention. Latinas in school (ages 15−21) met weekly for 2-hr with two bilingual experienced facilitators to participate in sharing circles, relaxation exercise, and skill building. Intervention participation and post-intervention focus group data were analyzed. Fall semester intervention (n = 10) occurred during school (72% attendance rate); spring semester intervention (n = 11) was after school (84% attendance rate). Focus group data confirmed acceptability. Latina adolescents will participate in a school-based, group-based stress management/coping intervention. The findings offer insights about intervention recruitment and retention that are specifically relevant to school nurses. Future research includes intervention testing using a randomized study design.

Substance use is a major cause of adolescent morbidity and mortality. By age 14, 70% of adolescents have consumed alcohol and half of 12th graders report having used marijuana. The purpose of this study was to increase the understanding of parent and adolescent perceptions regarding adolescent use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs (ATOD) to enhance the development of effective prevention programs. Six adolescent focus groups and one parent focus group participated. Results were derived following elicitation of adolescents' and parents' beliefs regarding adolescent ATOD use and current prevention programs. Findings indicate that current prevention programs are ineffective; ATOD use is normalized by schools, community, and family; positive adult role models deter use; and programs should involve youth, parents, schools, and community. Focus group discussions can strengthen the development of tailored ATOD prevention programs. School nurses can foster collaboration between families, schools, and communities to reduce adolescent substance use.

Interventions are needed to reduce the high overweight prevalence noted among boys in early high school. Because decreased physical activity (PA) is a factor for weight gain and a decline in boys' PA occurs across the middle school years, a need exists to intervene, as soon as boys reach middle school, to help them get adequate PA. The purpose of this study was to explore perceived benefits, barriers, self-efficacy, enjoyment or activity preferences, and situational or environmental influences related to PA among sixth-grade boys (N = 40). Each boy participated in one of seven focus groups. Having an average weight was the most important benefit. The most prominent personal barrier focused on being unmotivated. Environmental barriers included lacking equipment and places for PA. Suggestions for increasing boys' PA were identified. Findings have implications for nurses interested in designing interventions to assist boys of this age in achieving PA recommendations.