Which of the following is an example of a condition requiring contact precautions?
A.
Influenza
B.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection
C.
Pertussis
D.
Tuberculosis
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is B. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection.
Explanation:
Contact precautions are infection control measures used to prevent the spread of infections that can be transmitted through direct or indirect contact with contaminated surfaces, equipment, or patients. These precautions are essential for conditions where the pathogen can spread via skin-to-skin contact or contact with contaminated items.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a type of bacterial infection resistant to many antibiotics, including methicillin. MRSA can cause a range of infections, from skin infections to more severe conditions like pneumonia and bloodstream infections. The primary mode of transmission for MRSA is through direct contact with infected wounds or contaminated surfaces, making contact precautions crucial to prevent its spread.
Contact Precautions for MRSA include:
- Gloves: Healthcare workers should wear gloves when touching the patient, their environment, or any items that may be contaminated with the pathogen.
- Gown: A gown should be worn to protect healthcare workers’ clothing and skin from potential contamination.
- Hand Hygiene: Rigorous hand washing or use of hand sanitizers before and after patient contact is essential to prevent cross-contamination.
- Patient Placement: Patients with MRSA should be placed in a private room or cohort with other MRSA-infected patients to limit exposure.
Why MRSA Differs from the Other Conditions Listed:
- Influenza (A) is primarily transmitted through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Droplet precautions, rather than contact precautions, are used to manage influenza.
- Pertussis (C), also known as whooping cough, is transmitted via droplets from respiratory secretions. Droplet precautions are necessary for pertussis, not contact precautions.
- Tuberculosis (D) is a respiratory illness spread through airborne particles, necessitating airborne precautions instead of contact precautions.
In summary, MRSA requires contact precautions due to its ability to spread via contaminated surfaces and direct contact, making it essential to follow these specific infection control measures to prevent transmission.