NBCSN Nationally Certified School Nurse Practice Exam 2025 - Free School Nurse Certification Practice Questions and Study Guide

The correct approach in this scenario is to document the child's refusal and notify the parents. This is important for several reasons. First, respecting the autonomy of the child is a fundamental principle in healthcare practice, especially in a school setting. If a child chooses not to undergo a screening, pushing forward with the procedure despite their wishes can lead to a breakdown in trust between the school nurse and the student, which is counterproductive to fostering a supportive and caring environment.

Documenting the refusal ensures that there is a formal record of the parent's consent and the child's decision, which can be essential for legal and ethical reasons. It also provides transparency for any future conversations and considerations regarding the child's health needs. Notifying the parents keeps them informed about their child's choices and reinforces partnership in the child's health care management, allowing them to address any underlying concerns the child may have.

The other options may not effectively respect the child’s autonomy or guarantee proper communication with the parents, making the selected response the most appropriate and responsible course of action.