Review this study guide to know more about the Middle East respiratory syndrome, its causes, symptoms, treatment, prevention, and nursing management. Show
MERS or Middle East respiratory syndrome is a zoonotic disease (spreads from animals to people) that can cause severe respiratory illness. It was first identified in Saudi Arabia in 2012 and has infected more than 2,000 individuals worldwide.
Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) is caused by a novel coronavirus (Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus, or MERS‐CoV).
PathophysiologyMERS is considered an international threat to public health.
CausesCoronaviruses are the largest of all RNA viruses, with positive-sense single-stranded RNA genomes of 26-32 kb.
Statistics and IncidencesAbout 3 or 4 out of every 10 patients reported with MERS have died.
Clinical ManifestationsPhysical examination findings associated with MERS-CoV infection are similar to those presenting with any flu-like symptoms, including the following:
Assessment and Diagnostic FindingsMost state laboratories are approved to test for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) using CDC’s rRT-PCR assay.
Medical ManagementManagement of the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection is supportive; this includes hydration, antipyretic, analgesics, respiratory support, and antibiotics if needed for bacterial superinfection.
Pharmacologic ManagementNo medications have been approved for the treatment of coronavirus infections. Clinical trials are needed to establish any benefit from ribavirin and/or interferon alfa. Nursing ManagementNursing care for a patient with MERS-CoV include the following: Nursing AssessmentAssessment of a patient with MERS-CoV include:
Nursing DiagnosisBased on the assessment data, the major nursing diagnosis for a patient with MERS-CoV include the following:
Nursing Care Planning and GoalsThe major nursing care plan goals for a patient with MERS-CoV are:
Nursing InterventionsNursing interventions for the patient with MERS-CoV include the following:
EvaluationNursing evaluation of goals for a patient with MERS-COV are met as evidenced by:
Documentation GuidelinesDocumentation guidelines for a patient with MERS-CoV include the following:
Practice Quiz: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)Nursing practice questions for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). For more practice questions, visit our NCLEX practice questions page. 1. In which order will the nurse perform the following actions as she prepares to leave the room of a client with airborne precautions after performing oral suctioning? 1. Take off goggles A. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 1. Answer: B. 2, 1, 4, 3, 5
2. The nurse assessed the client and noted shortness of breath and recent trip to China. The client is strongly suspected of having Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV). Which of these prescribed actions will the nurse take first? A. Place the client on airborne and contact precautions 2. Answer: A. Place the client on airborne and contact precautions
3. The school nurse is asked which action will take to have the most impact on the incidence of infectious diseases in school. The correct response is: A. Grant written information about infection control to all parents 3. Answer: B. Ensure that students are immunized according to national guidelines.
4. Which of the following is the FIRST priority in preventing infections when providing care for a client? A. Handwashing 4. Answer: A. Handwashing
5. A 10-year-old client contracted Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) when traveling abroad with her parents. The nurse knows she must put on personal protective equipment to protect herself while providing care. Based on the mode of MERS-CoV transmission, which personal protective should the nurse wear? A. Gloves 5. Answer D. Gown, gloves, mask, and eye goggles or eye shield
ReferencesSources and references for this study guide for MERS-COV:
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