A client with foul-smelling drainage from an incision on the upper left arm is admitted with a suspected methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Which nursing intervention(s) should the nurse include in the plan of care? (Select all that apply.)
A.
Use standard precautions and wear a mask.
B.
Monitor the client’s white blood cell count.
C.
Institute contact precautions for staff and visitors.
D.
Send wound drainage for culture and sensitivity.
E.
Explain the purpose of a low-bacteria diet.
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
The correct answers are B, C, D. Here’s an explanation for each:
Nursing Interventions for MRSA Management
B. Monitor the client’s white blood cell count.
Monitoring the white blood cell (WBC) count is crucial in clients with suspected infections like MRSA. An elevated WBC count can indicate the presence of an infection and help assess the client’s response to treatment. Regular monitoring allows for timely interventions if the client’s condition worsens, providing insights into the effectiveness of antibiotics or other treatments.
C. Institute contact precautions for staff and visitors.
Given the highly contagious nature of MRSA, it is essential to implement contact precautions to prevent the spread of the bacteria. This includes wearing gloves and gowns when entering the room, ensuring that anyone who may come into contact with the client’s skin or contaminated surfaces is adequately protected. This measure is vital to safeguard other patients and healthcare workers, particularly in hospital settings.
D. Send wound drainage for culture and sensitivity.
Collecting a sample of the foul-smelling drainage for culture and sensitivity is a critical step in diagnosing the infection accurately. This allows healthcare providers to identify the specific strain of bacteria and determine which antibiotics will be effective. Timely identification of the pathogen can significantly influence treatment outcomes, allowing for a targeted approach that can expedite recovery.
Incorrect Options
A. Use standard precautions and wear a mask.
While standard precautions are always necessary, simply wearing a mask is not specific to MRSA, as MRSA is not airborne. Contact precautions are more relevant for MRSA transmission.
E. Explain the purpose of a low-bacteria diet.
While dietary considerations may be important for immunocompromised patients, a low-bacteria diet is not specifically indicated for all clients with MRSA. The focus should be on infection control measures, wound care, and proper antibiotic administration.
In summary, monitoring the WBC count, instituting contact precautions, and sending wound drainage for culture and sensitivity are essential nursing interventions in managing a suspected MRSA infection effectively.