A patient with a wound infection suspected MRSA. What precautions and therapy?

• A. Standard precautions; no isolation; administer broad-spectrum antibiotics as prescribed and monitor.
• B. Droplet precautions; private room; administer MRSA-active antibiotic.
• C. Contact precautions; private room; administer MRSA-active antibiotic as prescribed and monitor.
• D. Airborne precautions; private room; administer antifungal therapy.

Answer: (C)

MRSA is spread mainly by contact with wound drainage or contaminated surfaces, so infection control relies on contact precautions and isolation when MRSA is suspected. Use a private room if possible, and ensure healthcare workers wear a gown and gloves for all patient contact, with strict hand hygiene before and after care and proper cleaning of shared equipment and surfaces.

Therapy should target MRSA specifically rather than broad-spectrum antibiotics. Start an antibiotic active against MRSA as prescribed and monitor the patient’s response and any adverse effects, adjusting as culture results guide. Common MRSA-active options are chosen based on infection type and patient factors, and therapy is tailored rather than using broad-spectrum agents indiscriminately.

Droplet or airborne precautions aren’t indicated for MRSA transmission, and standard precautions alone don’t prevent spread in a patient with a MRSA wound infection.