MRSA infection, or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, caused by staph bacteria is resistant to antibiotics that fight usual staph infections. Patients in nursing homes, hospitals and long-term settings typically are susceptible to this type of infection. Procedures such as surgeries and others classified as invasive place people at risk for this bacterial infection, the Mayo Clinic reports.
Hand Washing
The chance of MRSA infection lessens if people wash their hands every time they are exposed to blood, body fluids, contaminated materials and excretions. Gloves do not necessarily protect the hands from exposure to infected materials, so people such as doctors or nurses should wash their hands after the removing the gloves, as well as between visits to each patient where any form of contact occurs. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that medical professionals should wash their hands between all tasks performed for a patient, to protect themselves and other patients.
Gloves
Medical professionals should wear gloves any time contact may occur with any form of body fluids such as urine, feces, vomit, blood or mucous. A person should wear gloves when touching any surface--whether a sink, toilet or piece of medical equipment--that may have had such substances on them. A person should change gloves each time a new task with a different patient may occur, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports.
Facial Protective Gear
A person should wear protective facial gear to cover the mouth, eyes and nose during procedures that may involve the spray of body fluids. These procedures may include a dressing change, medical procedures such as a lavage or during a medical treatment such as the removal of body fluids. The face as well as the mucous membranes need to be protected from exposure to body fluids including urine, feces, blood, mucous and vomit. Goggles, face shields and masks need to be worn for protection if there is a risk of direct exposure, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports.
Protective Outer Gown
Gowning before any task that carries the risk of direct exposure to body fluids remains an important part of isolation technique, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports. This includes any type of contact with equipment in the patient’s room such as intravenous equipment, toilet, sink, bed and bedding, and food trays or any equipment that the patient might have used.
Patient Equipment
A patient’s equipment needs proper cleaning and possible striation before use by another patient, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports. Following the procedures in place at all times for disposal and cleaning of a patient’s equipment will help avoid the risk that MRSA will spread to another patient. Any surface the patient has touched such as doorknobs, doors, floors, window ledges or bedding in the room all need to sanitizing before further use occurs.
Laundry Services
Appropriate handling of laundry, which includes the handling and disposal of, needs to occur to avoid the spread of microorganisms to other patients, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports.
