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The Journal of School Nursing
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Research Article

Assessing the Capability of School-Age Children With Asthma to Safely Self-Carry an Inhaler

Jane Flower, RN, MSN

Jane Flower, RN, MSN, is a school nurse at Noble Elementary School, Golden Valley, MN

Elizabeth M. Saewyc, RN, PhD

Elizabeth M. Saewyc, RN, PhD, is an associate professor at the University of British Columbia School of Nursing, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

The purpose of this descriptive study was to pilot test an Asthma Assessment Interview (AAI) and to determine the approximate age a child with asthma is capable to self-carry an inhaler. A random sample of 34 students with asthma (Grades K through 10) from a midwestern school district were interviewed by the school nurse using the AAI, which assesses knowledge of asthma, symptoms, coping strategies, medication administration skills, triggers, and judgment about when to use an inhaler including the ability to tell time. Only 38% passed the AAI. No students ages 5 to 7 passed, fewer than 50% of students ages 8 to 10 passed, and half or more of students age 11 or older passed the AAI. Results suggest a school nurse should supervise elementary students when using an inhaler; most should not self-carry. The AAI can be a useful part of the school nurse’s assessment.

Key Words: asthma assessment • school nurse assessment • self-administration of medication • self-carry inhaler

The Journal of School Nursing, Vol. 21, No. 5, 283-292 (2005)
DOI: 10.1177/10598405050210050701
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