Caring for a client with COVID-19

Coronavirus disease 19, or COVID-19 for short, is caused by a pathogen called SARS CoV-2, or severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.

The disease can range from mild to severe, and nursing assistants play a key role in caring for clients with COVID-19 as well as preventing transmission of the disease.

In the hospital, COVID-19 management revolves around a series of precautions that all medical personnel employ to minimize transmission of the disease and interventions that aim to shorten the course of the disease, maximize the client’s well-being over the course of their illness, and prevent complications of the disease.

The first measure you should employ when caring for a client with COVID-19 is wearing personal protective equipment, which includes non-sterile gloves, a gown, a mask, goggles, or a face shield as needed.

Regarding gloves, always wash your hands before putting on gloves and after removing them and use a different pair of gloves for every client and for every procedure you perform.

Remember that gloves only ensure protection if they are intact and without any holes, fit properly, and cover your wrists. Remove contaminated gloves when you finish the procedure or when you need to touch a commonly used item or surface, such as a light switch, door handle, or faucet. When removing the gloves, turn them inside out and dispose of them safely.

Next up, there are waterproof gowns, which usually open at the back and cover you from the neck to the knees. Gowns should be used when caring for clients with COVID-19 because there is a chance that they could cough or sneeze, and the droplets could end up contaminating your clothing. Each gown should be used only once, so remember to change the gown between clients.

PPE also includes wearing a mask that covers the nose and the mouth. Usually, it’s recommended to wear masks when you are closer than 2 meters, or 6 feet, to the client.

For most cases, a simple surgical mask can be used, and it’s important for the client to also wear a surgical mask when you provide care.

When wearing a surgical mask, there are some common tips. Always wash your hands before applying it and remember that each mask should be used only for one client.

Also, dispose of the mask if it becomes wet, moist, or soiled. Even breathing can make the mask moist, so change it when that occurs. Also, always consider the front side contaminated.

If you accidentally touch it, wash your hands immediately. When removing the mask, use the elastic bands or the ties and wash your hands after.

Another type of mask, called special high filtration masks, or N95 respirators, can filter infectious airborne particles at a 95% or even better efficiency. N95 respirators are used when there’s a high risk of exposure to a very contagious agent, like the infamous COVID-19.