School health and school-based care — formative SAQs

SAQ 1 (10 marks)

A parent wants a school form signed for an 8-year-old with previous peanut anaphylaxis. There is no current school emergency plan. [4]

1. List the essential elements of an executable school allergy/anaphylaxis plan. (4) [4]
2. What operational checks must you make beyond writing the letter? (3) [1] [4]
3. Outline post-incident disposition and plan review principles after adrenaline at school. (3) [4]

Model answer

Plan elements: allergen/trigger list; early signs; IM adrenaline first-line steps and site; second-dose thinking; positioning; emergency services activation; contacts; antihistamine only as adjunct not replacement; excursion notes. [4]

Operational checks: on-site in-date autoinjector access; staff training; nurse coverage reality; self-carry rules if appropriate; medical-home linkage and review date. [1] [4]

After adrenaline: continuous supervision, emergency evaluation/transfer per plan, never immediate unsupervised class return, then update plan and training gaps. [4]

SAQ 2 (10 marks)

A 13-year-old is 1 week after sport-related concussion. Classroom work worsens headache; sport training wants full return this week. [6] [7]

1. Explain return-to-learn priorities versus return-to-sport. (3) [6] [7]
2. Give practical school adjustments you would recommend. (4) [6]
3. List red flags that override outpatient pacing and need urgent review. (3) [7]

Model answer

Return-to-learn is paced cognitive re-entry and comes before full return-to-sport; symptom-limited progression protects recovery. [6] [7]

Adjustments: reduced timetable or breaks, shortened tests, quieter workspace, delayed high-stakes exams, limited screen glare, gradual homework load, clear review points with school. [6]

Red flags: worsening severe headache, repeated vomiting, focal neurology, declining consciousness, seizure, or progressive cognitive collapse — urgent/ED pathway. [7]