Question

A nurse is providing teaching about home care with an adolescent client who has a skin infection caused by MRSA. Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of the teaching?

-I will soak in a bathtub filled one-fourth full of water with one-half cup of bleach
-I will wash my clothes in cold water and detergent
-I will throw away my razor after using it three times
-I will apply imiquimod cream to the lesions before going to bed each night

Answer 1

The statement indicating understanding of the MRSA home care teaching is 'I will throw away my razor after using it three times,' which helps to prevent re-infection or spreading the bacteria.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement by the client that indicates an understanding of the teaching on how to care for a skin infection caused by MRSA is: I will throw away my razor after using it three times. This is the correct infection control practice because MRSA can survive on objects and surfaces, including personal care items like razors. Therefore, disposing of a razor after a few uses can help prevent re-infection or spread to others.

Home hygiene measures such as laundering clothes with hot water and detergent, not sharing personal items like towels or razors, and keeping wounds clean and covered until healed are vital. Using over-the-counter antibiotic ointments as per the care provider's recommendation and following up with healthcare if symptoms persist or worsen is also essential.

It's important to note that bathing in a diluted bleach solution is not a standard recommendation for individuals with MRSA skin infections, and topical medications like imiquimod are generally not used for MRSA-related skin infections. Laundering clothes in cold water is also less effective than hot water at eliminating bacteria.