Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Nursing Care for Patients with Ebola

Hi m&m! Remember when I took care of you when you were sick? I couldn’t do much to cure you but I helped soothe your symptoms. This is exactly the type of nursing care provided to patients with Ebola!

Ebola has NO cure, so as previously discussed in last week’s post the treatments and care provided treat the symptoms and help make the patients feel more comfortable.

When caring for patients with Ebola nurses make sure to follow the protocol involving protective measures to keep the patient, caregivers and other patients safe from transmission.


Nurses make sure that the patient is well hydrated
  • They monitor IV fluids running
  • Check hydration status through checking skin turgor (pinch the skin to see if it tents or remains flat)
  • Monitor intake and output to make sure they are well balanced
  • Manage diarrhea, nausea and vomiting to make sure the patient isn’t losing a lot of fluids

Nurses make sure the patient is receiving proper nutrition and hygienic care
  • They perform good oral hygiene
  • They may help feed the patient
  • They help clean the patient to make sure the skin is intact and well cared for

Aside from specific patient care nurses also help educate the public about virus transmission
  • They inform the public about transmission facts
  • They raise awareness about the disease
  • They defend rights of caregivers and nurses who care for patients with Ebola

**Educating the public is important in reducing fear and decreasing stigma or negative feelings attached to patients and caregivers who are diagnosed with Ebola

Click here, this is a great page with a table that summarizes CDC recommendations for infection prevention and control for hospitalized patients with Ebola

Check out this interesting video about patients with Ebola through a nurse’s eyes!



Resources:
Ebola (Ebola Virus Disease) (2015, February 12) Retrieved May 13, 2015, from http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/healthcare-us/hospitals/infection-control.html
Ebola Care is Nursing Care (2014, November 10). Retrieved May 13, 2015, from http://www.rwjf.org/en/library/articles-and-news/2014/11/_ebola-care-is-nursing-care.html

1 comment:

  1. I have been cured through Dr Utu African Traditional roots and herbs.
    Why so many people don't succeed in better health is because they have the belief that herbal medicines are primitive and outdated they took time ⌚ in thinking and having much doubt in herbs that can actually better their health naturally. Do you know that thinking and doubting won't solve your health problems?yes of course it won't solve it All you've to do is to stand up again and make the best move in your life. African herbs cures HIV, HSV, CANCERS, INFERTILITY, ASTHMA, PARALYSIS, DIABETES Try a reliable herbalist like Dr Utu and tell him your symptoms and feelings on;
    drutuherbalcure@gmail.com
    CALLING +2347032718477
    WHATSAPP LINE +2347032718477

    ReplyDelete