For a patient with suspected MRSA infection, which room type is appropriate to minimize transmission?

• A. Private room
• B. Shared room
• C. Airborne isolation room
• D. No isolation

Answer: (A)

MRSA spreads primarily by direct contact, so preventing contact transmission is key. Placing the patient in a private room creates a physical barrier that reduces the chance of MRSA contaminating shared surfaces, equipment, and nearby patients. In addition to a private room, caregivers should use contact precautions—gloves and a gown—and perform strict hand hygiene to further limit transmission. An airborne isolation room isn’t needed because MRSA isn’t spread through the air like some other pathogens, and a shared room increases exposure risk for other patients. No isolation would leave the patient’s MRSA capable of spreading more widely.