Table 1.

Precautions for the Study, Anamnesis and Examination of Patients With Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19 Infection.

1. Review medical history and assessment of complementary tests. The case should be studied in depth in a safe area. 2. Review case with the treating physician. Before evaluating the patient, consolidate a summary with all data, in addition to obtaining information from the family or other aspects that are not reflected in the medical history. 3. Preparation. Placement of the EPI with the collaboration of auxiliary and nursing staff in an area close to the location of the patient. Leave all belongings in a safe area, pull back hair, tuck the upper part of the uniform inside the pants and, if these are too long, tuck the hem inside the socks. Change shoes for special ones without holes. Placement of cap/closed hood, protective mask, inner gloves, gown, outer gloves and goggles or face shield. Once the preparation is completed, go to the location of the patient by the shortest path, and avoid touching anything. 4. Anamnesis. Remember to introduce yourself, given the difficulty for patients to identify you with the equipment on. The anamnesis is hindered by the noise of the oxygen equipment and the masks, so it must be clear and concise. 5. Examination. Follow the usual guidelines for exploration of the abdomen, except for auscultation when difficult. The need to assess mucosa or surgical wounds must be foreseen in order to add sterile gloves or take other necessary material, such as gauze, lubricant, etc. 6. Dirty area. After the exploration, go to the designated area where the initial team will help remove the material while applying virucidal products in phases, followed by hand washing with antiseptic. Particular caution should be exercised at this point to avoid exposure. 7. Medical room. After the cleaning process, discuss the case again with the designated medical team and, once the treatment has been determined, communicate the decisions by telephone to the patient's family, to avoid contact as much as possible. 8. Consent. Informed consent must be left in writing in the computer program, as is done on a regular basis, specifying that the documents cannot be signed for security reasons.