Question

friends report, 'we think she just took a handful of pills.' the adolescent appears alert and subdued. which initial response would the school nurse use?

Answer 1

The school nurse should assess the student's vital signs, ensure patient safety, and contact emergency services due to the potential for a drug overdose which can be life-threatening.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the described scenario, the school nurse's initial response to an adolescent who appears alert yet subdued after allegedly taking a handful of pills would be to ensure immediate medical assessment while also evaluating the adolescent's vital signs and level of consciousness. Given the potential for an overdose, the school nurse should prioritize the safety of the student and contact emergency services if necessary. Prompt medical intervention is necessary in such situations where a drug overdose may be involved, as it can be life-threatening.

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Answer 2

The school nurse would immediately call the rescue squad for emergency assistance, prioritize the student's safety, and then gather more information and notify the parents.

So, the correct answer is 3) Call the rescue squad for emergency assistance.

Step-by-step explanation:

The initial response the school nurse would use when alerted by the friends that the adolescent may have taken a handful of pills is to call the rescue squad for emergency assistance. In a potential overdose situation, prompt medical attention is critical, and a healthcare professional like a school nurse would know to prioritize the individual's immediate safety.

Afterwards, the nurse can gather more information from the friends and the adolescent herself to assist with the treatment, and notify the adolescent's parents about the emergency situation. It is not the time to conduct investigations or inquires—saving the student's life is the priority.

So, the correct answer is 3) Call the rescue squad for emergency assistance

Complete question:

Friends report, 'We think she just took a handful of pills.' The adolescent appears alert and subdued. Which initial response would the school nurse use?

1. Ask the friends where the adolescent got the pills.
2. Ask the adolescent whether she took any pills.
3. Call the rescue squad for emergency assistance.
4. Call the adolescent’s parents to come immediately.