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Teacher Awareness Teachers and School Nurses Certain protocols will need to be followed if a bleeding episode occurs during school hours
About Bleeding Disorders Hemophilia and other related bleeding disorders are genetic, lifelong conditions. The blood is missing or has a deficient amount of the proteins necessary for the blood to clot. The result is that the child doesn’t bleed faster but bleeds longer. Normal activities of the body’s joints rubbing against each other can cause spontaneous bleeding into a joint resulting in swelling, limited motion and pain. Repeated bleeding into a joint destroys the joint and causes crippling and severe pain. Infusing medication intravenously or intra-nasally - depending upon the disorder and its severity - are methods used to treat bleeding disorders. Most children are placed on a prevention regimen but breakthrough bleeding can occur. One of the major keys to success in treating a bleeding episode is to infuse the factor (missing proteins) immediately. Delays in administering the drugs can lead to serious complications. Confidentiality Disclosing any health information to classmates and friends is ultimately the right and responsibility of the student. Self-image is important. The decision should be respected and the right of privacy not violated. Team Approach
School In Service Available FactorHealth can arrange for professional clinicians to in-service key school staff in the basic care needs and appropriate responses to a child with a bleeding disorder. Contact FactorHealth toll free at 1-800-223-7151 or click here. Attendance Generally, students with bleeding disorders attend school as regularly as any other student and experience the usual childhood ailments. If an extended recovery period does follow a bleeding episode it is important that make-up work be assigned to help prevent the student from falling behind. Physical Education
Guidelines Students with bleeding disorders learn very early on the signs and symptoms of a bleeding episode as most are not visible to the eye during early stages of bleeding. It is important to listen to the student’s description of how he or she feels so that prompt treatment can be provided. Universal Precautions As with any student needing first aid, the care giver should utilize standard precautions:
First Aid For Bleeding Episodes If the student:
Contact the parent(s) and keep the student quiet and still to help avoid any further injury. Apply an ice pack and elevate the limb. Immediate Medical Attention A broken bone or trauma to the head, eye, back, neck, abdomen or groin:
Cut, Scrape or Laceration:
Nosebleed:
Mouthbleed:
Menstrual Cycle Girls with bleeding disorders who are menstruating may experience excessive blood flow during their cycles and may need to be excused to contact their parents. Over-The-Counter Medication The parent’s permission is required before any medicine is given. REMINDER: Many commonly used pain medications contain aspirin , which thins the blood and needs to be avoided. If you have any questions or concerns, contact the student's parents immediately. When in doubt whether to contact the parents, you should always contact the parents to discuss your concerns regarding the child. In the event of a bleed or what you believe could be a bleed, always contact the parents immediately, and if they are unavailable contact the child's doctor or health care provider immediately. |
As a school official or school nurse, you should be aware when you have a student in
attendance with a bleeding disorder. This student will need assistance and certain protocols will need to be followed
if a bleeding episode occurs during school hours. Bleeding can happen following trauma or can occur spontaneously in
various parts of the body.
A team approach is imperative in addressing the student’s needs and ensuring academic
and social success. Members of the Team should include the principal, teacher/s, school nurse, coach, bus drivers
and any other adults who supervise the student’s activities. An 
Students with bleeding disorders are encouraged to develop a healthy mind and body
through regular physical activities. Contact sports are discouraged since they carry a greater risk for injury.
Open communication with the student’s parents and physician regarding appropriate physical activity levels is
essential. |