A patient presents to the emergency department with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. During the history and physical, it is discovered that the patient’s significant other is recovering from COVID-19. After obtaining a nasal swab to test the patient for COVID-19, what is the most important action for the nurse to take?

Choice A rationale Starting an intravenous infusion for antiviral drug administration is premature at this stage. The patient’s COVID-19 test results are not yet available, and antiviral drugs should not be administered without a confirmed positive test. Choice B rationale Moving the patient to a private room, keeping the door closed, and initiating droplet precautions is the most important action. Given the patient’s symptoms and the significant other’s COVID-19 status, these measures will help prevent potential spread of the virus. Choice C rationale Notifying the charge nurse for assignment to the COVID-19 specified area of the facility is important, but it is not the immediate priority. The first step should be to initiate droplet precautions to minimize the risk of transmission. Choice D rationale While it is important to inform the patient about potential exposure, the immediate priority is to prevent the spread of the virus within the healthcare facility.