Transcript CA-MRSA The Emerging Pathogen

CA-MRSA:
The Emerging Pathogen
By Suzanne M. Bonner, RN,
CMSRN, BSN
Nursing made Incredibly Easy!
March/April 2009
2.0 ANCC contact hours
Online: www.nursingcenter.com
© 2009 by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. All world rights reserved.
CA-MRSA Facts
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On the rise in EDs across the country
Frequent cause of skin and soft tissue infections
(pimples, boils, and abscesses)
Has a specific gene pattern or “fingerprint”
(different from HA-MRSA)
The median age of patients with CA-MRSA is 30
(compared with age 70 for HA-MRSA)
Sensitive to: trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole,
gentamicin, tetracycline, and clindamycin
Picturing CA-MRSA Infection
Risk Factors
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Children (especially in day-care centers)
Large groups of people living in close quarters
(such as soldiers or prisoners)
Those who play contact sports (such as wrestling,
football, fencing, and rugby)
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I.V. drug users
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Homeless persons
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Men who are sexually active with other men
Risk Factors
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Ethnic groups: Pacific Islanders, Native
Americans, Native Alaskans, and Native
Canadians
Theorized that lack of infection control may be
responsible for CA-MRSA in these groups,
according to the CDC
Treatment
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75% of CA-MRSA infections are soft tissue
infections
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Incision and drainage of the boil, abscess, or soft
tissue area
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May or may not be followed by antibiotics,
depending on the patient’s comorbidities, the size
of the affected area, and the presence of fever or
other symptoms
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A culture of the wound should be done to
determine what antibiotic to use
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In several states MRSA is a reportable disease
(check with your state’s health department)
Prevention and Patient Teaching
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CA-MRSA is very contagious
Encourage use of frequent hand washing and
hand sanitizer use
Teach your patient and his family members how
to prevent its spread in the household:
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Proper hand washing before and after wound
cleaning
Avoid skin-to-skin contact
Don’t share personal items (such as razors, towels,
and clothing)
Wash clothes, bed linens, or towels that have come
in contact with the wound with water and detergent
and use a dryer
Sports Team Prevention
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Disinfect equipment
Ensure appropriate laundering of uniforms,
clothing, towels, and linens
The surface of equipment in a gym or health club
should be wiped down with a clean towel before
and after use
Keep wounds covered
Refrain from participating in sports until wounds
are completely healed