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Difficulty: EasyStandard and Transmission-Based Precautions

A resident in a long-term care facility has a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection in a sacral pressure injury. The practical nurse is preparing to change the resident's soiled bed linens. Which of the following combinations of personal protective equipment (PPE) must the nurse wear?

  1. A disposable isolation gown and non-sterile glovesAnswer
  2. B
    A standard surgical mask and non-sterile gloves
  3. C
    An N95 respirator mask and shoe covers
  4. D
    Sterile procedure gloves and protective eyewear

Answer

The correct combination of PPE is a disposable isolation gown and non-sterile gloves.
The correct answer identifies the fundamental requirements of contact precautions. MRSA is transmitted by direct contact with the client or indirect contact with their environment, such as bed linens. Therefore, the nurse must wear a disposable isolation gown and non-sterile gloves to create a physical barrier against the pathogen.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the transmission mode of the stated pathogen.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is primarily transmitted through direct physical contact with the client or indirect contact with their contaminated environment.
Understanding how a specific microorganism spreads determines the type of transmission-based precautions required.
2
Determine the required isolation category based on the transmission mode.
Contact precautions must be implemented for this resident.
Contact precautions are the standard safety protocol for epidemiologically significant microorganisms that spread by touching.
3
Select the specific PPE components mandated for that isolation category.
A gown and gloves are required upon entry into the resident's room.
Gloves prevent direct transfer of MRSA to the nurse's hands, and a gown protects the uniform from becoming contaminated when leaning over the bed to change soiled linens.

Key Concept

Contact Precautions for MRSA
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Topics

Standard and Transmission-Based Precautions

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