MRSA

NADJELAH C.
LABOS
BSN 3-F
1. Definition of MRSA
- MRSA stands for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus. It's a type
of bacteria that has developed resistance to several antibiotics, including
methicillin and other commonly used antibiotics. MRSA infections can be
challenging to treat, as the usual antibiotics may be less effective against
them.
2. What causes MRSA?
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is primarily caused by
the overuse and misuse of antibiotics, particularly those in the class of
drugs known as beta-lactam antibiotics, which include methicillin. The
selective pressure exerted by the widespread use of these antibiotics has
led to the development of resistant strains of bacteria, including
Staphylococcus aureus.
Key factors contributing to the emergence and spread of MRSA include:

- Antibiotic Use and Misuse: The use of antibiotics, especially
inappropriately or in excessive amounts, can promote the
development of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria.
Staphylococcus aureus, when exposed to antibiotics, can develop
mechanisms to resist the effects of these drugs.
- Healthcare Settings: MRSA is often associated with healthcare
settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term care
facilities. The close proximity of individuals with compromised
immune systems, invasive medical procedures, and the use of
broad-spectrum antibiotics in these settings contribute to the
prevalence of MRSA.
- Community Settings: Community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA)
has become more common outside healthcare settings. Factors
contributing to its spread in the community include close
skin-to-skin contact, crowded living conditions, poor hygiene
practices, and sharing contaminated items.
- Close Contact: MRSA can be spread through direct skin-to-skin
contact with an infected person or by touching surfaces or objects
contaminated with the bacteria. It is important to practice good
hygiene, including handwashing, to reduce the risk of transmission.
- Weakened Immune Systems: Individuals with weakened immune
systems are more susceptible to MRSA infections. This includes
people with chronic illnesses, those undergoing chemotherapy, and
individuals with HIV/AIDS.
Preventing the spread of MRSA involves proper infection control practices in healthcare
settings, judicious use of antibiotics, and promoting good hygiene practices in the
community. It's important to note that while MRSA can cause infections, not everyone
who carries the bacteria will develop an infection, as many people are colonized with
Staphylococcus aureus without experiencing illness.
3. Signs and Symptoms of MRSA

- The signs and symptoms of MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus
Aureus) infection can vary depending on the type and severity of the
infection. MRSA infections can range from mild skin infections to more
severe and potentially life-threatening conditions.
Common signs and symptoms include:

Skin Infections:
● Redness and swelling at the site of the infection
● Warmth and tenderness around the affected area
● Pus or drainage from the skin lesion
● Pain or discomfort
Cellulitis:
● Inflammation of the skin and underlying tissues
● Red, swollen, and tender skin
● Warmth at the site of infection
Abscesses:
● Collections of pus under the skin
● Pain and tenderness at the site of the abscess
● Swelling and redness
Boils:
● Painful, pus-filled lumps in the skin
● Red, swollen, and tender areas
Pneumonia (invasive respiratory infections):
● Cough
● Shortness of breath
● Chest pain
● Fever
Septicemia (bloodstream infection):
● Fever and chills
● Rapid breathing
● Low blood pressure
● Rapid heart rate
It's important to note that not everyone who carries MRSA will develop an infection, as
many people can be colonized with the bacteria without showing symptoms.
Additionally, some individuals may carry MRSA in their nose or on their skin without any
signs of infection.
If you suspect a MRSA infection or experience any of the symptoms mentioned above,
it's crucial to seek medical attention promptly. Early diagnosis and appropriate
treatment are essential for managing MRSA infections and preventing their spread.
Keep in mind that MRSA is often resistant to common antibiotics, so healthcare
providers may need to use alternative medications for treatment.
4. Examination to determine MRSA

- Diagnosing MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) typically
involves a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, and, in
some cases, imaging studies.
Here are some common methods used to examine and determine MRSA:
Clinical Evaluation:
● Medical History: Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, recent
illnesses, hospitalizations, and any exposure to healthcare settings or individuals
with MRSA.
● Physical Examination: The healthcare provider will examine the affected area for
signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, warmth, and the presence of pus.
Culture and Sensitivity Testing:
● Swab or Fluid Collection: A sample may be collected from the infected site using
a swab or by draining fluid from an abscess.
● Laboratory Culture: The collected sample is then sent to a laboratory for culture,
where the bacteria are identified and tested for antibiotic susceptibility. This
helps determine if the strain is methicillin-resistant.
Nasal Swab:
● MRSA commonly colonizes the nose. A nasal swab may be performed to check
for the presence of MRSA in the nasal passages. This is especially relevant in
healthcare settings.
Blood Tests:
● In cases of systemic infection or sepsis, blood tests may be conducted to
identify the presence of MRSA in the bloodstream.
Imaging Studies:
● In more severe cases, especially when MRSA infection is suspected in internal
organs, imaging studies such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs may be performed to
assess the extent of the infection.
It's important to note that MRSA can cause a range of infections, from skin and soft
tissue infections to more serious systemic conditions. The specific diagnostic approach
may vary based on the type and severity of the infection.
5. Nursing intervention on MRSA

Isolation Precautions:
● Implement contact precautions to prevent the transmission of MRSA to other
patients and healthcare providers.
● Use personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and gowns when
providing care.
Hand Hygiene:
● Emphasize and ensure rigorous hand hygiene practices among healthcare
providers, patients, and visitors.
● Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers or soap and water for handwashing.
Wound Care:
● Implement proper wound care for skin infections. This may include cleaning,
dressing changes, and monitoring for signs of worsening infection.
● Educate the patient on the importance of keeping wounds clean and dry.
Antibiotic Administration:
● Administer prescribed antibiotics as per the healthcare provider's instructions.
It's important to complete the full course of antibiotics, even if symptoms
improve before completion.
Monitoring Vital Signs:
● Monitor vital signs regularly, especially if the patient has a systemic infection.
Watch for signs of sepsis, such as fever, increased heart rate, and changes in
blood pressure.
Patient Education:
● Educate the patient and their family about MRSA, including modes of
transmission and preventive measures.
● Emphasize the importance of completing the entire course of prescribed
antibiotics and attending follow-up appointments.
Nasal Decolonization:
● If MRSA colonization is identified in the nasal passages, nasal decolonization
may be recommended. This involves using nasal ointments or antiseptic washes
to reduce bacterial colonization.
Environmental Cleaning:
● Ensure thorough cleaning and disinfection of the patient's environment,
especially frequently-touched surfaces.
● Adhere to infection control protocols to minimize the risk of transmission.
Respiratory Hygiene and Cough Etiquette:
● In cases of respiratory infection, educate the patient on respiratory hygiene and
cough etiquette to prevent the spread of respiratory droplets.
Follow-up Care:
● Schedule and encourage follow-up appointments for ongoing assessment and
monitoring of the patient's condition.
● Collaborate with other healthcare team members to coordinate care and address
any complications.
Psychosocial Support:
● Provide emotional support to the patient and their family, addressing any
concerns or fears related to the infection.
● Encourage open communication and address questions about MRSA.
6. What type of precaution

- For patients with MRSA, healthcare providers typically implement "Contact
Precautions" as part of infection control measures. Contact Precautions
are designed to prevent the transmission of infectious agents that are
spread by direct or indirect contact. In the case of MRSA, this bacterium is
primarily spread through contact with contaminated skin, surfaces, or
objects.
Key components of Contact Precautions for MRSA include:
Gloves:
● Healthcare providers should wear gloves when entering the patient's room or
when in contact with the patient's environment or potentially contaminated
items.
Gowns:
● Gowns should be worn to protect clothing and prevent the transfer of MRSA to
other patients or surfaces.
Hand Hygiene:
● Rigorous hand hygiene is essential. Healthcare providers should wash their
hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer before and
after patient contact, even if gloves are worn.
Patient Placement:
● Ideally, place patients with MRSA in single-patient rooms to minimize the risk of
transmission to other patients. If a single room is not available, cohorting
(placing patients with the same infection together) may be considered.
Equipment:
● Dedicated patient care equipment should be used for individuals with MRSA. If
shared equipment is necessary, it should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected
between uses.
Environmental Cleaning:
● Ensure thorough and frequent cleaning and disinfection of the patient's
environment, paying particular attention to high-touch surfaces.
Patient and Family Education:
● Educate the patient and their family about the importance of hand hygiene, and
provide guidance on preventing the spread of MRSA in the community.

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NADJELAH C.

Key factors contributing to the emergence and spread of MRSA include:

Staphylococcus aureus without experiencing illness.

3. Signs and Symptoms of MRSA

Common signs and symptoms include:

4. Examination to determine MRSA

5. Nursing intervention on MRSA

6. What type of precaution

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