What is MRSA and how can it be prevented in resident care?

Prepare for the Nurse Aide I Module B – Infection Prevention Test. Leverage multiple choice questions, detailed flashcards, and comprehensive explanations. Ensure your readiness for the exam!

MRSA stands for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium that can cause skin infections and more serious illnesses. It spreads mainly by direct contact with an infected wound, contaminated hands, or shared equipment and surfaces. In resident care, prevention relies on standard precautions for every resident and, when MRSA is present or suspected, additional contact precautions. This means performing thorough hand hygiene before and after any resident contact, wearing gloves and gowns for contact with MRSA-affected areas or contaminated items, and using dedicated or properly cleaned equipment for that resident. Cleaning and disinfection of the resident’s environment and equipment—especially high-touch surfaces and shared items—are essential. Proper wound care, safe handling and disposal of contaminated materials, and timely communication with infection control help prevent transmission. In short, MRSA is a resistant bacterium, and preventing its spread hinges on standard precautions plus contact precautions when indicated, along with diligent hand hygiene and environmental/equipment cleaning.