Question

Mary Barkley, a 74-year-old female, has been admitted to your floor with a respiratory infection and has tested positive for COVID19. She resides in an assisted living facility that has seen four deaths related to COVID19. She is exhibiting the same initial signs and symptoms as the other patients, including a low-grade fever of 99.8, a sore scratchy throat causing an unproductive cough, chills, muscle pain, and headache. She is an at-risk patient due to her age and also suffers from Lupus. She is already taking Hydroxychloroquine, a first-line lupus therapy, but there is no conclusive evidence of its benefits for coronavirus yet. She is very fearful and is requesting to see her family, stating that she does not want to die alone. What is the primary concern for Mary Barkley?

1) Respiratory distress
2) Isolation precautions
3) Hydration
4) Family visitation

Answer 1

The primary concern for Mary Barkley would be respiratory distress due to her respiratory infection and COVID-19.

Step-by-step explanation:

The primary concern for Mary Barkley, a 74-year-old female with a respiratory infection and COVID-19, would be respiratory distress. As an at-risk patient due to her age and underlying condition of Lupus, Mary is more vulnerable to severe respiratory complications from COVID-19. Given her symptoms and the fact that she is already exhibiting signs of respiratory distress such as an unproductive cough, it is crucial to closely monitor her respiratory function and provide appropriate medical interventions to prevent any further deterioration of her respiratory health.