- [Narrator] This brief learning module, When to Test,
will teach you when it is appropriate
to test residents for COVID-19.
Before testing residents for COVID-19,
it is important to know what signs and symptoms to look for.
Signs are changes that you observe.
Symptoms are changes that the resident tells you about.
The most common signs and symptoms of COVID-19
include a loss of sense of smell or taste,
cough, fever, muscle aches, diarrhea,
fatigue, shortness of breath, and a sore throat.
Signs and symptoms usually show up
two to six days after exposure,
but it can take up to 14 days
for a resident to start showing signs that they are sick.
A resident with any of these signs or symptoms of COVID-19,
no matter how mild, should be tested.
Symptoms can show up in people who have not been vaccinated,
as well as in those
who are up-to-date on their vaccinations.
People might also have COVID-19
without showing any symptoms at all.
This is why your nursing home may ask staff members
to be tested for COVID-19
based on facility and federal government guidance.
So keep in mind that even if you are vaccinated
and not feeling sick, you may be tested.
A COVID-19 test is for a current infection.
The most common test used in nursing homes
is an antigen test.
Antigen tests are also called rapid tests
because the result is ready in 15 to 30 minutes.
The CDC recommends nursing homes
use antigen tests for residents
so that results can be ready and action taken very quickly.
It is very important
that the COVID-19 test is given properly.
If the test is not done right,
it could give an incorrect result,
and that could lead to an infected resident
spreading the virus to others.
Let's look at how you can help a resident
prepare for an antigen test.
Explain how the test will work before it begins.
You can also explain what will happen before each step
and offer comfort during the test.
First, the nurse will insert a swab
into the resident's nose.
The resident may need help getting into position
and supporting their neck for this part.
You can explain that this part should not hurt,
but it may be uncomfortable.
The nurse will rotate the swab to collect mucus.
Then the nurse will test the specimen
based on the test manufacturer directions.
Explain to the resident what will happen
if the test is positive or negative.
Ask the resident if they have any questions.
Now, let's see what Aaliyah does
when she suspects two of her residents might be sick.
Aaliyah is a nursing assistant
checking in with each of her residents
when she discovers Mr. Miller has developed a bad cough,
and Mrs. Snyder is having trouble taking deep breaths.
Aaliyah immediately informs her supervisor
that two of her residents are sick,
then dons or puts on full PPE
in order to help the nurse perform an antigen test
on both Mr. Miller and Mrs. Snyder in their rooms.
Mr. Miller has dementia
and may become upset during the testing.
Aaliyah sits beside Mr. Miller
and talks to him in a calm voice
while the nurse performs the test.
She explains what is happening during each step,
and keeps tissues close by
in case the test makes Mr. Miller sneeze.
After Mr. Miller's test,
Aaliyah throws away her gloves, washes her hands,
and dons new PPE before helping with Mrs. Snyder's test.
Mr. Miller's test is negative,
but Mrs. Snyder has tested positive for COVID-19.
Mrs. Snyder is moved to a COVID-19 care unit
while Aaliyah and her supervisor
follow their nursing home's guidelines
for testing the other residents
and alerting family, staff, and the state health department
of Mrs. Snyder's COVID-19 positive test.
Although she is up to date on vaccination,
Aaliyah is tested for COVID-19 a few days later
to make sure she is not going to pass the virus
on to the other residents in her care.
Thankfully, Aaliyah's test is negative,
so she can continue to do what she loves,
caring for her residents.
Now let's review a few key points.
Think about the best answer
for each of the following questions.
What are some ways you can help comfort a resident
during a COVID-19 test?
Sit beside the resident, talk to them in a calm voice,
explain what is happening, and offer them a tissue.
What are the three main steps
to conduct a COVID-19 antigen test?
A swab is inserted into the nose,
the swab is rotated to collect mucus,
then the specimen is tested.
Knowing your facility's guidelines on COVID-19 testing
is an important step in protecting yourself
and your residents.
When you can recognize the symptoms
and test quickly, accurately, and safely,
you are also giving the best care possible
to your residents.
Being up to date with vaccinations
and getting tested yourself
are also important to keeping residents safe.
You have completed this learning module.
We help you have learned about
how recognizing COVID-19 symptoms
and administering antigen tests quickly
can protect you, other staff, and residents.
Learn more.
Watch the next video in this series
to learn about why COVID-19 vaccinations are important,
and visit the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's
website for free tools
to help you identify and treat COVID-19.