Question

A high school student returns to school following a 3-week absence due to mononucleosis. The school nurse knows it will be important for the client: A. To drink additional fluids throughout the day B. To avoid contact sports for 1-2 months C. To have a snack twice a day to prevent hypoglycemia D. To continue antibiotic therapy for 6 months

Short answer

Answer: B. Prevent the student from engaging in contact sports for 1-2 months.

Step-by-step solution

Understand mononucleosis

Mononucleosis, also known as "mono," is an infectious viral illness that primarily affects teenagers and young adults. Symptoms include fever, sore throat, swollen glands and extreme fatigue. The illness is usually not serious, but it can cause complications with other organs like the liver and spleen. In severe cases, the spleen can become enlarged and rupture, posing serious health risks.

Evaluate the given options

Now that we have a basic understanding of mononucleosis, we can evaluate each of the given options: A. Increased fluid intake may help with overall hydration but is not specifically related to mononucleosis recovery. B. This option is relevant because contact sports can lead to injuries that may cause an enlarged spleen to rupture. It is usually recommended that individuals who have had mononucleosis avoid contact sports for a few weeks to a few months, depending on their recovery. C. Hypoglycemia is not a common concern or complication in mononucleosis patients; thus, this option is not relevant. D. Antibiotics are not effective against viruses like mononucleosis, so continuing antibiotic therapy is not a relevant recommendation for this situation.

Choose the correct answer

Comparing the given options with the symptoms and recommendations for mononucleosis recovery, we can conclude that the most important action for the school nurse to take with the student is: B. To avoid contact sports for 1-2 months

Key concepts

School Nurse Responsibilities

The role of a school nurse is highly valuable in promoting student health. School nurses are tasked with numerous responsibilities to ensure the well-being of everyone in their care. They act as a vital link between educational settings and healthcare services. Their primary goal is to manage and identify students' healthcare needs while promoting a healthy lifestyle.

• Daily monitoring: They assess each student's health needs and provide basic treatment and first aid as required.
• Health plans: School nurses create and execute personalized care plans for students, especially those with chronic conditions.
• Education: They also educate students, teachers, and parents on important health topics and disease prevention.

In the case of a student recovering from mononucleosis, the school nurse's duty extends to providing care advice and ensuring the student follows the recommended guidelines for recovery, such as avoiding strenuous activities.

Student Health Management

Managing a student's health within a school environment involves collaboration among healthcare providers, teachers, and parents. It focuses on keeping students safe, healthy, and ready to learn.

• Screening: Regular health screenings to identify students in need of special care or intervention.
• Recovery support: Assisting students in transitioning back to school after an illness, as in the case of mononucleosis.
• Health education: Promoting awareness about common illnesses by conducting workshops and distributing informational materials.

After a student has been diagnosed with mononucleosis, for example, proper management involves monitoring energy levels, ensuring they avoid activities that strain the body, and maintaining open lines of communication with the student about their health.

Infection Recovery

Recovering from an infectious illness like mononucleosis takes time and care. Understanding the recovery process helps in minimizing complications and achieving full recovery.

• Rest is key: It is vital for students to get plenty of rest to help their body fight off the virus.
• Balanced nutrition: A diet rich in vitamins and minerals supports the immune system.
• Avoiding strain: Students should refrain from contact sports, especially as the spleen may be enlarged and vulnerable.

The period following mononucleosis often requires adjustments in daily routines to prevent setbacks. Schools play a part by accommodating rest periods and modifying physical education activities to suit recovering students. Proper infection recovery ensures minimal disruption to the student's educational journey.