COVID-19
Emergency Nursing Care of Patients With Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019
Novel coronavirus disease 2019 is the disease caused by the novel coronavirus originally from Wuhan, China. Its pathophysiology is poorly understood, but it is known to be contagious and deadly. Multiple symptoms and complications from the disease have been described, with the most common complaints being respiratory. Nursing care of patients with novel coronavirus disease 2019 is largely supportive, but it should include a strong focus on mitigating the spread of infection to staff, other patients, and the community.Prevention of Fogging of Protective Eyewear for Medical Staff During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has caused huge harm worldwide.1 COVID-19 is transmitted from person to person and spreads very quickly.2,3 Globally, 2,810,325 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed by the World Health Organization, including 193,825 deaths, as of April 26, 2020. In China, there have been 84,338 cases and 4,642 deaths.4 As of February 29, 2020, an estimated 42,000 medical personnel have served as frontline staff and have been indispensable during this worldwide pandemic.5 More than 3,000 personnel in Hubei Province, China, were infected during the early stage of the pandemic because knowledge pertaining to the prevention and control of the virus was lacking.Can You Catch It? Lessons Learned and Modification of ED Triage Symptom- and Travel-Screening Strategy
Efficient identification and isolation of patients with communicable diseases limits exposure to health care workers, other patients, and visitors. In August 2014, our team developed and implemented an algorithm to triage suspected cases of Ebola virus disease in a midwestern United States emergency department and outpatient clinics based on patient travel history and symptoms. Here, we present the lessons learned and modifications to update the tool.Radiological Presentation of Coronavirus Disease
A male in his mid-80s presented to the emergency department with complaints of fever and cough for 6 days. On presentation, the patient was febrile to 38.7°C (101.6°F), tachypneic to 26 breaths per minute, and coughing. A portable chest X-ray was done (Figure 1) that revealed bilateral peripheral infiltrates. Chest computed tomography was performed as well and it confirmed multiple areas of peripheral bilateral infiltrate (Figure 2). The patient was ultimately diagnosed with coronavirus disease.Mental Well-Being of Nursing Staff During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Outbreak: A Cultural Perspective
The mental health of health care professionals in general, and nursing staff in particular, has been challenged in the wake of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic outbreak throughout the world. During previous outbreaks such as severe acute respiratory syndrome, psychological distress in frontline emergency nursing staff appeared gradually. Fear, anxiety, depression, psychological symptoms, post-traumatic symptoms, and a general decrease in overall well-being were observed.1 Isolation, high-risk working conditions, and direct contact with infected individuals could now become immediate factors of mental health problems in frontline emergency nursing staff.Integrated Infection Control Strategy to Minimize Hospital-Acquired Infection During Outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Among ED Health Care Workers
On February 11, 2020, the World Health Organization formally named the disease triggered by the 2019-novel coronavirus as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). As a newly discovered infectious disease, the outbreak and spread of COVID-19 shocked the whole world. In just a short period of 2 months, more than 80, 000 people in China and a total of 12,669 people in 76 countries outside of China became infected.1 Owing to the lack of sufficient understanding of and complete protection from COVID-19 in the early stage, more than 3,000 health care workers (HCWs) have been infected.
