Question

A client hospitalized with MRSA (methicillin-resistant staph aureus) is placed on contact precautions. Which statement is true regarding precautions for infections spread by contact? A. The client should be placed in a room with negative pressure. B. Infection requires close contact; therefore, the door may remain open. C. Transmission is highly likely, so the client should wear a mask at all times. D. Infection requires skin-to-skin contact and is prevented by handwashing, gloves, and a gown.

Short answer

Answer: Infection requires skin-to-skin contact and is prevented by handwashing, gloves, and a gown.

Step-by-step solution

Understand MRSA and contact precautions

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a type of bacteria that is resistant to certain antibiotics. Contact precautions are guidelines used to prevent the spread of infections that can be transmitted through direct or indirect contact with the patient or the patient's environment.

Evaluate statement A

Statement A says that the client should be placed in a room with negative pressure. Negative pressure rooms are mainly used for airborne precautions, for infections that can spread through the air, like tuberculosis or measles. Since MRSA is spread through contact, not by air, statement A is incorrect.

Evaluate statement B

Statement B says that infection requires close contact, so the door may remain open. While it's true that contact precautions focus on preventing close contact transmission, it's still advisable to keep the door closed to limit room-to-room transmission and provide privacy for the patient. So, statement B is not entirely accurate and cannot be considered as the correct answer.

Evaluate statement C

Statement C says that transmission is highly likely, so the client should wear a mask at all times. While MRSA transmission is a concern, wearing a mask is not the primary means to prevent its spread, as it's mainly transmitted through direct or indirect contact. Masks are mainly used for respiratory infections, while MRSA is a skin infection. Thus, statement C is incorrect.

Evaluate statement D

Statement D says that infection requires skin-to-skin contact and is prevented by handwashing, gloves, and a gown. This statement is accurate, as one of the main routes for MRSA transmission is skin-to-skin contact. Handwashing, using gloves, and wearing a gown are essential components of contact precautions to prevent the spread of the infection. Therefore, statement D is correct.

Conclusion

To conclude, considering the given answer choices about contact precautions for MRSA infection, the correct answer is option D. Infection requires skin-to-skin contact and is prevented by handwashing, gloves, and a gown.

Key concepts

Infection Control in Healthcare Settings

Infection control in healthcare settings is crucial to keeping patients, healthcare workers, and visitors safe. It involves a set of practices and procedures designed to prevent the spread of infections, especially in hospitals and clinics.

When it comes to infections like MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus), specific precautions, known as contact precautions, are implemented. These precautions include isolating the patient to reduce the risk of the bacteria spreading through skin-to-skin contact or indirect contact with surfaces.

Practices like meticulous hand hygiene are paramount. This means healthcare workers must wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer before and after patient interaction. The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and gowns adds another layer of protection.

• Isolating infected patients: Prevents the spread to others.
• Hand hygiene: Essential before and after handling any patient.
• Use of PPE: Minimizes direct contact with infectious agents.

Overall, the focus is on creating barriers to reduce the transmission pathways of infectious organisms such as MRSA.

Antibiotic-Resistant Infections

Antibiotic-resistant infections are a major challenge in modern medicine. Resistance occurs when bacteria evolve to resist the effects of the drugs designed to kill them. MRSA is a prime example of this phenomenon. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is resistant to many antibiotics that normally cure staph infections.

Antibiotic resistance can make infections harder to treat, requiring more potent medications or alternative therapy strategies. This can lead to longer hospital stays, increased healthcare costs, and a higher risk of death.

Factors contributing to antibiotic resistance include:

• Overuse of antibiotics: Prescribing antibiotics when they aren't needed.
• Incomplete antibiotic courses: Not finishing the prescribed medication.
• Spread of resistant strains: Bacteria spreading from person to person.

The development of new medications and practices like stewardship programs are in place to counteract this resistance, guiding the appropriate use of antibiotics to maintain their effectiveness and slow down resistance.

Nursing Safety Protocols

Nursing safety protocols are an essential aspect of healthcare, ensuring both patient and nurse safety and preventing the spread of infections. In cases like MRSA, following these protocols is critical.

When caring for patients with antibiotic-resistant infections like MRSA, nurses must meticulously follow contact precautions, such as wearing appropriate PPE—gloves and gowns—and following strict hand hygiene practices.

Additional safety measures may include:

• Environmental cleaning: Ensuring that all surfaces and equipment are regularly disinfected.
• Patient education: Informing patients about infection control measures and the importance of compliance.
• Monitoring and reporting: Keeping track of infection rates and promptly addressing any breaches in protocol.

These protocols are mandatory not only to prevent the spread of infection to other patients but also to protect healthcare workers from disease. By adhering strictly to safety guidelines, nurses play a pivotal role in maintaining a safe and secure healthcare environment.