The Use of Monoclonal Antibodies Against COVID-19
Contact Hours: 1
Cost: $10.00
The world is currently plagued by a pandemic that has affected more than one billion people and killed two million. Vaccines are the best hope for eventually eradicating this horrific disease but there are obstacles to achieving this goal in the very near future and there will be those for whom a vaccine is not the answer. Effective treatments are desperately needed in the short to midterm to prevent serious complications and death from the disease. Monoclonal antibodies are currently available to help meet that need but too few people, both health care professionals and the general public, know about this therapy. This course has been designed to provide the conceptual and operational knowledge to both promote this intervention and to educate the healthcare professional how to administer these medications safely and effectively. They are administered intravenously and State Boards of Nursing have varying positions on the role of the LPN/LVN in the administration of infusion therapy. Competency requirements are obtained and maintained through the nurse’s employer, facility or institution, skill checklists are provided for this within the course.
Objectives
Upon completion of this course, the participant will be able to:
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Describe the role of a monoclonal antibody in defending the body against COVID-19.
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Explain how a monoclonal antibody is produced for administration.
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List the patient qualifications required to receive one of the two monoclonal antibody products approved under the FDA EUA.
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Describe the preparation and administration procedures for the three monoclonal antibodies presented in the course.
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Recognize the different applications between the Eli Lilly and Regeneron products and tocilizumab in the treatment of COVID-19.
Curriculum
Chapter 1: Introduction to Monoclonal Antibodies
Chapter 2: How Monoclonal Antibodies Work
Chapter 3: Who Should Receive Monoclonal Antibodies
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Bamlanivimab
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Casirivimab and imdevimab
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Tocilizumab
Chapter 4: Safe and Effective Administration
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Preparation – bamlanivimab
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Preparation – casirivimab and imdevimab
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Administration – bamlanivimab and casirivimab/imdevimab
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Tocilizumab (Actemra®)
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Preparation
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Administration
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Patient/Parent/Caregiver Education
Chapter 5: Resources
Chapter 6: References