ADHD IN THE SCHOOL SETTING: A CLINICAL GUIDELINE FOR NURSE PRACTITIONER MANAGEMENT

Abstract

This clinical project is twofold in its purpose. The first purpose is to establish attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, ADHD, as a chronic, neurobiological disorder that affects a significant percentage of school -age children. The project describes the impact of the disorder for children diagnosed with ADHD, particularly the impact in school settings, which is one of the most natural settings for children outside the home. The impact of ADHD and the effect on the caregivers specifically, parents, families, and teacher is highlighted as well. Current scientific findings are synthesized and gaps in evaluation, diagnosis and treatment are identified. The second purpose of this project is to establish a nurse practitioner guideline that address gaps identified in the literature. A discussion of the unique role a nurse practitioner offers to deliver services within the school setting for children with ADHD is provided, and guidelines for nurse practitioner management is presented. Parameters describing how the nurse practitioner is to evaluate, diagnose, and treat children with ADHD are explained. Treatment areas include medication management, behavioral therapies, alternative and experimental treatment options. The final portion of the guideline addresses implications for schools to utilize the guideline and includes a discussion of collaboration issues between the nurse practitioner and school nurses, parents, and teachers. A synopsis of the guideline is presented in an outline formant in the appendix of the project.