5 quick tips to prevent MRSA infection
February 1, 1997 2 minutes read
5 quick tips to prevent MRSA infection
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection is becoming a threat to home care agencies now that it has become prevalent in many United States hospitals, experts say.
MRSA is a strain of S. aureus that is resistant to special beta-lactose drugs that are used to treat these organisms. People carry the organism in their noses or on the skin. Some people are carriers, and others can become infected through boils, wound infections, pressure ulcers, etc.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta recently issued hospital infections program guidelines that could also apply to home care. The CDC’s standard precautions are as follows:
• Wash hands after touching blood, body fluids, excretions, and contaminated items, even when wearing gloves.
Also, wash hands after gloves are removed, between tasks, and between procedures on the same patient to prevent cross contamination of different body sites.
• Wear gloves when touching blood, body fluids, excretions, and contaminated items.
They should be put on before touching mucous membranes and nonintact skin, and they should be removed promptly after use.
• Wear a mask and eye protection or face shield.
These will protect the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, and mouth during procedures that are likely to cause splashing or spraying of body fluids.
• Wear a gown for protection of skin and soiling of clothing during procedures and patient-care activities.
• Handle patient-care equipment that is soiled with body fluids and excretions in a manner that prevents skin exposures and contamination of clothing.
Make sure reusable equipment is not used for the care of other patients until it has been sanitized.
(Editor’s note: Homecare Education Management presented an article with staff handouts on giving your staff an MRSA inservice in the October 1996 issue, pp. 131-133.)
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