COVID-19 has been shown to have devastating respiratory consequences; however, the next emerging healthcare concern during this pandemic is acute kidney injury (AKI). The prevalence of kidney failure is so high that hospitals are running out of dialysis machines while at the same time struggling to maintain access for non-infected patients. There is considerable debate as to how the novel …
Although this is often a difficult conversation to have, COVID-19 can and often does have a rapid onset and can advance quickly. COVID-19 is rapidly spreading across the world. Many patients will present with a high symptom burden, which specialists in palliative care can help manage. Increasing numbers of patients will not be suitable for mechanical ventilation but instead will …
New studies are being done on COVID patients and microthrombi/pulmonary embolism. MEDPAGE Today published on April 8th that they are noting systemic clotting problems in patients with COVID-19, even with those patients on prophylactic anticoagulation. They have noticed that the D-dimer, that checks for clotting issues, has been linked to a greater odd of death with COVID-19 patients in Wuhan, …
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update: FDA Authorizes First Testfor Patient At-Home Sample Collection Last week the FDA authorized the first diagnostic test with a home collection option for COVID-19. This reissued EUA for LabCorp’s molecular test permits testing of a sample collected from the patient’s nose using a designated self-collection kit that contains nasal swabs and saline. Once patients self-swab to collect …
What Should We Do? As with pretty much everyone in the country today, there are tons of questions, fear, and uncertainty. As we talk with our members it is obvious that sometimes there just aren’t answers to every question. One of the most common questions we receive is “should I accept residents from the hospital”. That is a great question …
Researchers are urging health authorities to immediately recognize the role of airborne transmission of COVID-19 virus droplets from an infected person beyond 5 feet in order to stem the disease’s spread. In an article in Environment International, published this week, it was encouraged that health care organizations initiate research into the airborne transmission of COVID-19. “National health bodies responsible for …
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID) shared a study of remdesivir, a drug developed by Gilead Sciences Inc. and NIAID-supported investigators which involved six rhesus macaques. One group of monkeys received remdesivir and the other animals served as an untreated comparison group. Scientists infected both groups with SARS-CoV-2. Twelve hours later the treatment group received a dose …
During this time of uncertainty, frontline healthcare workers are facing additional burdens, not only at work but also outside of work. Many caregivers are working longer hours/extra shifts and are anxious about the lack of necessary personal protective equipment. These challenges increase stress the caregiver may be experiencing as they are also concerned about contracting the virus and bringing it …
Universal Source Control is used to address asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic transmission, implement source control for everyone entering a healthcare facility (e.g., healthcare personnel, patients, visitors), regardless of symptoms. This action is recommended to help prevent transmission from infected individuals who may or may not have symptoms of COVID-19. Cloth face coverings are not considered PPE as they are not designed …
The FDA has approved an emergency authorization for decontamination/reuse of N95 respirators as a crisis capacity strategy to ensure continued availability. It is critical that the integrity of the N95 respirator, including user seal check be monitored after each decontamination process. This emergency authorization is limited to the current COVID-19 pandemic only. Please be sure to check the CDC and …
