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DoDEA School Health Services Manual 2942.0 Volume 1 Revised: 2016 DRAFT
office to obtain pregnancy test results, the school nurse is available for guidance and
support to the student.
Regardless of the pregnancy test result, the student needs follow up care. The
teenager needs to be counseled regarding issues such as sexual relationships,
contraceptives, and sexually transmitted diseases. A sexually active teen who has
never had a pelvic exam should be referred for a gynecological exam and counseling at
the teen clinic, if such facility is available, or referred to the local MTF.
The student who is pregnant will need counseling regarding the choices available
to her. The school nurse should refer the student to the local medical facility or other
agencies for counseling support. Often the school nurse may facilitate discussion of the
pregnancy between the student and her sponsor/parent/guardian. The school nurse
should encourage the student to obtain prenatal care as well as infant care classes.
The school nurse can initiate services in the school that help the pregnant student stay
physically and mentally healthy, promote emotional support, and provide appropriate
educational strategies. The school nurse should collaborate with the family, when
doing so, would not violate the student’s confidential relationship with the nurse. The
school nurse should also collaborate with the medical team when requested by the
student. This collaboration may provide the pregnant student with medical, emotional
and social support to reduce stress.
F-11-4
Sexually Transmitted Disease/ Sexually Transmitted Infection
The school nurse is a central figure in assessment, intervention, and prevention
of sexually transmitted Infections (STI) and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The
incidence of STDs in teenagers has risen to epidemic proportions. Some STDs, such as
chlamydia and gonorrhea are common causes of sterility in both men and women. Viral
infections such as herpes and genital warts cannot be cured, human papillomavirus
(HPV) the most common sexually transmitted infection can cause cancer. HPV can be
prevented by vaccination; the vaccination should be highly recommended and promoted
by the school nurse for all boys and girls ages 11 or 12 years old. Acquired
Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a viral infection that can be fatal. Other serious
STDs include hepatitis B and hepatitis C. For these reasons, prevention of STDs is part
of the DoDEA secondary health curriculum, with education beginning in the primary
grades. School nurses, especially at the secondary level, need to be knowledgeable
with the signs and symptoms of the various STDs and refer students for medical care as
needed.
F-12 Non-RN Substitute Coverage in the School Health Office
Guidelines for substitute coverage in the school health office by personnel who
are
not
registered nurses.