Question

A nurse is in charge of care for a client who has methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Which guideline is accurate for using transmission-based precautions when caring for this client?

1) Wear gloves whenever entering the client's room.
2) Use respiratory protection when entering the room.
3) Keep visitors 3 feet (1 m) from the client.
4) Place the client in a private room that has monitored negative air pressure.

Answer 1

The correct transmission-based precaution for caring for a client with MRSA is to always wear gloves when entering the client's room. This helps prevent direct contact and spread of the infection, complemented by strict hand hygiene and proper cleaning procedures.

Step-by-step explanation:

When caring for a client with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), it is crucial to follow the transmission-based precautions specific to MRSA infections. The accurate guideline for using these precautions is to wear gloves whenever entering the client's room, to minimize direct contact with the client and potentially contaminated surfaces. Additionally, since MRSA is primarily spread through contact rather than airborne transmission, wearing respiratory protection is not always necessary unless performing aerosol-generating procedures. However, a private room may still be warranted to prevent contact with other patients, and keeping visitors a short distance away (3 feet or 1 meter) is a standard precaution. It is important to implement strict hand hygiene practices and use proper disinfection for any items that come into contact with the patient. In the broader hospital environment, MRSA can spread to healthcare providers and other patients, particularly in hospitals where immunocompromised individuals might be more susceptible to acquiring MRSA. Rigorous adherence to infection control protocols, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and cleaning of shared medical equipment, is essential in managing the spread of MRSA infections.