With the rapid spread of the Omicron variant, Roger Seheult, MD of MedCram explains what questions to ask if you or a loved one are hospitalized with COVID-19 or another respiratory illness.
How to Navigate COVID 19 Hospitalization (or any respiratory illness)
In this update video, Roger Seheult, MD of MedCram explains what questions to ask if you or a loved one are hospitalized with COVID-19 or other respiratory illness. He provides an overview of the hospital zones (ER, medical-surgical floor, and ICU) and what staff work in each of those zones. He notes the best person to contact with questions about the medical plan and care being provided is the nurse or physician. It is recommended to have one family member be the point of contact when asking questions.
He then discusses different types of oxygen delivery systems available depending on the patient’s respiratory needs. These include: room air, nasal cannula, oxymask, non-rebreather, high flow, biPAP and Ventilator. He also references this MedCram course on Mechanical Ventilation for more information.
Next, he highlights the following questions which should be asked of your nurse or doctor should hospitalization occur for COVID-19 or other respiratory illness: Is there proning (laying on stomach)? Has there been a chest x-ray/Are you noticing air where it shouldn’t be? What is the/kidney function? What are the Ferritin, C-reactive protein, and d-dimer levels? and What is the white blood cell count? These questions will give you a better picture of the overall medical status and treatment plan. He then suggests viewing this MedCram video on How Coronavirus Kills, for more information.
Finally, the doctor reviews end of life care and code status. This is important if a patient goes into respiratory or cardiac arrest. These statuses include: Full Code, Modified Code, DNR/DNI (Do not resuscitate or intubate) and Palliative Care.
Stay Tuned for More COVID-19 Updates
Our COVID-19 videos are always available for free (and ad-free) at MedCram.com. In addition, check out our full library of courses and lectures on subjects ranging from Hematology MedCram Reviews to Zika Virus Explained Clearly Course and many more!
Meanwhile, you can find all of our COVID-19 videos compiled here.