Final answer:
The most at-risk client for infection with an antibiotic-resistant microorganism is the immunocompromised individual due to their weakened immune system. MRSA and biofilms on medical devices are significant concerns in antibiotic resistance. c) Immunocompromised individual.
Step-by-step explanation:
The client most likely at increased risk for infection in a health care facility that has experienced an outbreak of an antibiotic-resistant microorganism is c) Immunocompromised individual. These individuals have weakened immune systems, which makes them more susceptible to infections, including those caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Factors such as age, underlying health conditions, and certain treatments can contribute to a person's immunocompromised state.
Antibiotic resistance is a significant concern in modern healthcare. Indiscriminate use of antibiotics can lead to a decline in non-resistant bacterial populations, allowing resistant strains like MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) to thrive. MRSA is particularly concerning as it can transfer resistance genes to other bacteria, potentially giving rise to "superbugs" that are resistant to multiple antibiotics.
The development of antibiotic resistance is also influenced by factors such as the overgrowth of C. difficile in the normal microbiota due to antibiotic use, and the formation of biofilms on medical devices, which can protect bacteria from antibiotics and the immune system.