Alteration of Smell Sensation: Brief Review With Implications for Nursing Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Mortimer, Diane Schretzman; Duverneau-Salifu, Moira

BACKGROUND Alteration in olfaction, the sense of smell, can lead to a surprisingly high level of functional disability. Effects can range from mild changes in nutrient intake to a significant decrease in quality of life. Olfactory dysfunction can follow clinical problems such as trauma to the brain and nose. During recent months, in the setting of the current worldwide pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, it has become clear that olfaction can also be damaged by viruses that enter the body through the nose. METHODS To learn more about this important clinical problem, we reviewed the current literature about smell sensation and the contextual application of altered olfaction in the setting of COVID-19. Knowledge about this topic, along with other clinical aspects of COVID-19, is expanding quickly. CONCLUSION Nurses perform assessments, assist with implementing treatment interventions, and provide vital education to patients and their families. These interventions help patients with olfactory dysfunction achieve the best possible functional outcome.