I am suspecting pregnancy on one of the teens in special education class. As a nurse,what will I do?

Question

Teacher is suspecting a teen in special education class being pregnant with signs of stomach problems, weight gain. As a nurse on that school, what will I do? Will I approach the teen or the parents? Who else can help me is school? Thank you.

Answer 1

Disregard all suggestions to speak with the student's parents.    Call your supervisor for the real answer to this question as per your school's policies, your state's reporting laws, and your duties of confidentiality.  Be especially concerned about the confidentiality that attaches once you have spoken with the student on this topic.  This is not a question that should be answered in this forum.  It is not a matter of personal opinion; it is likely a question of law and professional ethics.  Acting on poor advice may jeopardize your job.

Answer 2

If you are unsure of what you are supposed to do ask your manager and follow all protocol and policies.

This is a sensitive area so tread lightly

Answer 3

You should approach the teen first, in a private setting and see if she needs your help. She may not have told her parents, but you definitely need to ask her before you do so! This is not a "must-report" situation because it is not life-threatening -- yet. However, it could turn into something life-threatening if she does not get proper health attention, so if after a month or so, she continues to grow and it is clear that she has not spoken to a doctor -- step in.

Answer 4

I agree with the SPED teacher. Definately talk to the teen first then go to her parents. Talk to the teen and ask her if she needs any help or if she kissed any boys. I would personally have her teacher with you when you talk to the teen. This being because the teen might have a good relationship with the teacher and be more open to talking about her "boyfriend" to you.

Definately tell her parents when it is almost certain that she is pregnant. I am a strong believer in treating SpEd individuals as much as a regular human/adult as possible.

How would you want to be approached if you were the teen? With comfortable people around me.

Answer 5

STAND WELL BACK!!!! They (women) are pitbulls who've just licked p i ss off a thistle, when they are pregnant... In fact... find solace in a monastary, until she's whelped the pup!!!!

Answer 6

I would talk to her first. Since she is a special education student, her parents are her guardians until age 18, when depending on her functioning levels it must be decided if she has the mental capacity to become her own guardian. Please talk to the parents after you talk to her. They need to be aware of the situation, and they may need your expertise helping her decide what to do. Also, it is possible that she was raped. Special Education students are more vulnerable to this than regular ed students because they tend to be more naive and easily pressured into things. Good Luck

Answer 7

You should know what to do if you are a nurse.  Hopefully, you know her and are able to talk to her.  So, talk to her already!



PS  If she is sixteen or up, telling the parents may breach confidentiality, so you had better check with her first.

Answer 8

if pregnancy symptoms appears obvious, the best person to talk to are the parents.