Because of the time to test turn around, all patients coming in with potential symptoms are being placed in droplet isolation as a precaution. This means surgical mask, gown, gloves for staff. If they need to be admitted, the patients can go in regular rooms and we are trying to cohort them, meaning a separate area with minimal staff crossover with other patients. We are also requiring patients to wear a mask whenever staff is in the room to minimize droplet spray if they can tolerate it.
We are using our N95/airborne precautions for patient treatment that causes aerosolization, like BiPAP and nebs. Nebulizer treatment is proving a bit problematic as many people with lung disease need nebulizers. Are trying to use inhalers instead whenever possible. Most hospitals do not have enough negative flow isolation rooms to keep all of these patients on strict airborne precautions. The key will be to minimalize aerosolization procedures.
We are using our N95/airborne precautions for patient treatment that causes aerosolization, like BiPAP and nebs. Nebulizer treatment is proving a bit problematic as many people with lung disease need nebulizers. Are trying to use inhalers instead whenever possible. Most hospitals do not have enough negative flow isolation rooms to keep all of these patients on strict airborne precautions. The key will be to minimalize aerosolization procedures.
