Winning Wednesday: Understanding COVID-19 and NCLEX Questions
COVID-19 has been a challenging topic for everyone, and it has affected our lives in many ways. As a nurse, it is essential to understand the virus and how it spreads to provide the best care for our patients. In this article, we will discuss COVID-19, its symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and nursing responsibilities. We will also answer some NCLEX questions related to COVID-19.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What is COVID-19?
- Symptoms of COVID-19
- Diagnosis of COVID-19
- Treatment of COVID-19
- Nursing Responsibilities for COVID-19 Patients
- NCLEX Questions on COVID-19
- Conclusion
- Resources
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It primarily spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. The virus can also spread by touching a surface contaminated with the virus and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes.
As of now, there have been over 600 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 globally, with close to 7 million deaths. The virus can cause a range of symptoms, from mild to severe respiratory illness, and unfortunately, death.
Symptoms of COVID-19
The symptoms of COVID-19 can vary from person to person. Some people may have mild symptoms, while others may experience severe symptoms. The most common symptoms of COVID-19 include:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Fever
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Body aches
- Loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Diagnosis of COVID-19
The most commonly used diagnostic test for COVID-19 is the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. This test detects the genetic material of the virus in a sample collected from the nose or throat with a swab. Other diagnostic tests include antigen tests and antibody tests.
Treatment of COVID-19
The treatment for COVID-19 is still evolving, and there is no specific cure for the virus. However, antiviral medications such as remdesivir and monoclonal antibodies have been authorized by the FDA to treat mild to moderate COVID-19 in people who are more likely to get very sick. Convalescent plasma, which is collected from people who have recovered from the infection, is also used to treat some people with COVID-19.
Nursing Responsibilities for COVID-19 Patients
As a nurse, it is essential to monitor the vital signs and oxygenation status of COVID-19 patients. Maintaining respiratory isolation for the patient and yourself, observing proper hand hygiene, managing hyperthermia, and educating the patient and family on proper coughing etiquette and other respiratory control measures are also crucial nursing responsibilities.
NCLEX Questions on COVID-19
1. The client is exhibiting shortness of breath, high fever, and loss of taste. The healthcare provider suspects COVID-19. Which of the following is the priority action of the nurse?
- Isolate the client
- Check x-ray results
- Administer remdesivir
- Infuse normal saline solution at 100 milliliters an hour
2. What is the name of the virus that is the source of the COVID-19 pandemic?
- SARS-CoV-1
- SARS-CoV-2
- Human immunodeficiency virus
- Mycobacterium leprae
3. A 60-year-old client came to the ER with loss of taste and smell, hyperthermia, shortness of breath, and coughing for four days. The healthcare provider suspects COVID-19. Which diagnostic test is most appropriate to confirm the disease?
- Urinalysis
- Chest x-ray
- PCR test
- Antigen test
4. Which among the following is considered vulnerable and high risk for COVID-19?
- 27-year-old athletes
- 15-year-old teenagers
- 65-year-old smoker
- 41-year-old teacher
5. Which among the medications will the healthcare provider anticipate ordering for the client with COVID-19?
- Remdesivir
- Tamiflu
- Amantadine
- Zidovudine
Conclusion
COVID-19 has affected our lives in many ways, and as nurses, it is essential to understand the virus and how it spreads to provide the best care for our patients. We hope this article has provided you with valuable information on COVID-19, its symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and nursing responsibilities. Remember to stay safe and take all necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the virus.
Resources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
- World Health Organization (WHO): https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2020-DON-01
- Remar Nurse: https://remarnurse.com/
- AI Chatbot: https://www.voc.ai/product/ai-chatbot
FAQ:
Q: What is COVID-19?
A: COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Q: How does COVID-19 spread?
A: COVID-19 primarily spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. The virus can also spread by touching a surface contaminated with the virus and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes.
Q: What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
A: The symptoms of COVID-19 can vary from person to person. Some people may have mild symptoms, while others may experience severe symptoms. The most common symptoms of COVID-19 include cough, shortness of breath, fever, chills, fatigue, headache, body aches, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Q: How is COVID-19 diagnosed?
A: The most commonly used diagnostic test for COVID-19 is the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. This test detects the genetic material of the virus in a sample collected from the nose or throat with a swab. Other diagnostic tests include antigen tests and antibody tests.
Q: What is the treatment for COVID-19?
A: The treatment for COVID-19 is still evolving, and there is no specific cure for the virus. However, antiviral medications such as remdesivir and monoclonal antibodies have been authorized by the FDA to treat mild to moderate COVID-19 in people who are more likely to get very sick. Convalescent plasma, which is collected from people who have recovered from the infection, is also used to treat some people with COVID-19.
Q: What are the nursing responsibilities for COVID-19 patients?
A: As a nurse, it is essential to monitor the vital signs and oxygenation status of COVID-19 patients. Maintaining respiratory isolation for the patient and yourself, observing proper hand hygiene, managing hyperthermia, and educating the patient and family on proper coughing etiquette and other respiratory control measures are also crucial nursing responsibilities.
