Discussion 11.1 (Provide a follow up response to the noted below classmates discussion)
1. Share with classmates an interesting case or educational experience from the practicum setting which is noted right below. Provide a follow up discussion/response to this classmates discussion that was posted. This is for a Student Nurse Practitioner Rotation
One particular case that has been standing out to me that was last week was a possible case of COVID-19. It is probably sticking with me in light of everything that is going on with COVID-19. This particular 75 year old male called ahead so the office was a prepared as we could be. I took him straight back in to the room we designated for possible COVID-19 patients and got a set of vital and started my assessment. Uncomfortable in the the PPE, I started asking my questions for my history of present illness. The patient described flu-like symptoms of cough, mild headache, overall weakness and body aches for two days. Patient stated he took tylenol for headache with relief. Patient denied having any fever, and was afebrile at time of appointment. The World Health Organization (2020) describes the symptoms of COVID- 19 as fever, tiredness, dry cough, and some with aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea. Then patient then went on to tell me that him and his wife just recently return from a cruise to the Bahamas 2 days ago. Upon assessment the patient had a dry cough with no adventitious breath sounds, and good strength even though reporting overall weakness. On palpation the patient didn’t so any signs of pain or discomfort even though reporting body aches. This 75 year old male had a normal assessment, but did present with COVID-19 symptoms on a subjective assessment and did have recent travel. In the end we sent this patient and suggested that his wife go for COVID-19 testing. We also educated the patient per WHO (2020) guidelines to wash hand frequently for at least 20 seconds, avoid touching his face, and to self-quarantine for at least 14 days. Unfortunately this patient came in on March 17, 2020 and the office still has yet to receive this patient COVID-19 test results. We were also told that it would take at 10 days to get this patients test results back. The turn around time for these test results is so very sad, but we (myself and the clinical site office staff) are doing everything we can to protect ourselves, families and other patients in the mean time.
