1. The client/caregiver can define MSRA.
   1. MRSA is an infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria or “staph.”
   2. It was one of the first infections to prove resistant to the broad-spectrum antibiotics.
   3. Staph infections are seen mostly in hospitals or health care facilities. They are hospital-acquired infections.
   4. The infection can also be acquired in a community setting.
   5. Staph can enter the body via a cut or wound. Unfortunately, the client with an impaired immune system or the older client can have a more serious infection.
   6. Vancomycin is currently effective against MRSA.
2. The client/caregiver can list signs and symptoms of MRSA infection.
   1. Staph infections usually start as red bumps that resemble pimples, boils, or spider bites.
   2. They can evolve into deep, painful abscesses that require surgical intervention.
   3. They can also cause infections in bones, joints, surgical wounds, bloodstream, heart valves, and lungs.
3. The client/caregiver can list causes of MRSA infections.
   1. Excessive and unnecessary use of antibiotics
   2. Antibiotic in food (beef, cattle, pigs, and chickens) and water supplies
   3. Bacteria (germs) that can quickly change and evolve to resist antibiotics
4. The client/caregiver can list risk factors for MRSA infections.
   1. Risk factors for hospital-acquired infections
      • Recent or current stay in hospital
      • Living in a long-term care facility
      • Invasive procedures such as dialysis
      • Recent use of antibiotics
   2. Risks for community-acquired infections
      • Young age
      • Participating in contact sports
      • Sharing sports equipment or personal items such as towels or razors
      • Impaired immune system
      • Living in crowded or unsanitary conditions
      • Close contact with health care workers
5. The client/caregiver can list measures to prevent or manage a hospital-acquired MRSA infection.
   1. Wash your hands frequently.
   2. Ask health care workers to wash their hands before touching you.
   3. Ask to use disposable washcloths/disinfectant rather than soap and water.
   4. Insist that sterile conditions are used when any procedure is performed.
   5. Insist that the health care workers and visitors follow any isolation precautions as set up by the hospital.
6. The client/caregiver can list measures to prevent or manage community-acquired MRSA infections.
   1. Avoid sharing personal items such as
      • Towels and sheets
      • Razors and toothbrushes
      • Clothing and athletic equipment
   2. Keep all cuts or abrasions clean and covered.
   3. Avoid contact with others’ wounds or items touching the wound such as towels or bandages.
   4. Sanitize linens. Wash gym and athletic clothes after each use.
   5. Wash your hands frequently. Carry hand sanitizer containing at least 62% alcohol for times when you cannot wash.
   6. Ask your physician whether you should be tested for MRSA if there is need to treat a skin infection.

Resource

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
www.cdc.gov/

State or county health department

References

Hitchcock, J. E., Schubert, P. E., & Thomas, S. A. (2003). Community health nursing: Caring in action. Clifton Park, NY: Thomson Delmar Learning.
Perry, A., & Potter, P. (2006). Clinical nursing skills & technique. St. Louis: Mosby Inc.
Taylor, C., Lillis, C., & LeMone, P. (2005). Fundamentals of nursing. Philadelphia: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins.
Timby, B. K., & Smith, N. C. (2003). Introductory medical-surgical nursing (8th ed.). Philadelphia: J. B. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Credits

Client Teaching Guides for Home Health Care, 2nd ed.
© 2008 Jones and Bartlett Publishers, Inc.
www.jbpub.com