Which task should a registered nurse perform for a client with methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)?

Which task should a registered nurse perform for a client with methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)?

• A. Changing the client's dressing
• B. Initiating intravenous (IV) antibiotic therapy
• C. Providing patient education on MRSA
• D. Coordinating with the discharge planner

Answer: (B)

The task of initiating intravenous (IV) antibiotic therapy is critical when managing a client with methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) because it directly addresses the infection. MRSA is known for being resistant to many antibiotics, which is why the correct choice emphasizes the registered nurse's role in administering specific therapies that can effectively combat this infection. In the context of a client's care, starting IV antibiotics requires knowledge of the appropriate medications based on sensitivity testing, understanding the correct dosage and infusion rates, and monitoring for efficacy and adverse effects. This task is typically within the scope of practice for registered nurses, particularly when it involves acute care settings where MRSA poses significant health risks. While tasks like changing a dressing, providing education, and coordinating discharge are essential components of comprehensive nursing care, they do not primarily address the immediate medical intervention needed for an active MRSA infection. Changing a dressing may help with wound care, education is valuable for long-term management, and discharge planning is important for continuity of care, but none of these actions directly initiate treatment for the infection itself.

The task of initiating intravenous (IV) antibiotic therapy is critical when managing a client with methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) because it directly addresses the infection. MRSA is known for being resistant to many antibiotics, which is why the correct choice emphasizes the registered nurse's role in administering specific therapies that can effectively combat this infection.

In the context of a client's care, starting IV antibiotics requires knowledge of the appropriate medications based on sensitivity testing, understanding the correct dosage and infusion rates, and monitoring for efficacy and adverse effects. This task is typically within the scope of practice for registered nurses, particularly when it involves acute care settings where MRSA poses significant health risks.

While tasks like changing a dressing, providing education, and coordinating discharge are essential components of comprehensive nursing care, they do not primarily address the immediate medical intervention needed for an active MRSA infection. Changing a dressing may help with wound care, education is valuable for long-term management, and discharge planning is important for continuity of care, but none of these actions directly initiate treatment for the infection itself.