When should you administer emergency medication?

• A. Give it as soon as you think it's needed.
• B. Administer according to the parent's instructions.
• C. Administer after school.
• D. Only if you are assigned and trained by the nurse.

Answer: (D)

Emergency medications in school must be given only by staff who have been assigned and trained by the school nurse. The nurse reviews each student’s plan, teaches the proper medication, dose, and route, and clarifies exactly when action is needed and when to call for help. This training and assignment ensure you follow the correct procedure, use the right medication, and act safely under policy.

Giving medication as soon as you think it's needed bypasses the established plan and training, increasing the risk of wrong drug or dose and potential harm. Waiting to administer until after school isn’t appropriate because emergencies can happen during the day and require timely, plan-based action. Relying solely on a parent’s instructions isn’t enough without the nurse’s authorization and training, since school procedures and legal requirements govern who may administer medications.