Inflammatory bowel disease: school nurse management.

Initial symptoms and diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) usually occur between 10 and 20 years of age, although younger cases are reported. The complicated nature of IBD diagnosis and treatment can interfere with physical and emotional development that normally occurs in school-age children and adolescents. The school nurse should be familiar with the diagnosis and treatment of IBD because children and adolescents that have received this diagnosis may present in schools. This article recognizes the importance of school nurse interventions and the collaboration with stakeholders that should facilitate a better quality of school life and outcomes for students with IBD. A school nurse plan of care is introduced to support actions that are useful in caring for students diagnosed with IBD.