A student nurse assesses and obtains a urine specimen from a client with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) who is on contact precautions. The registered nurse intervenes when the student performs which action?

Question

A student nurse assesses and obtains a urine specimen from a client with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) who is on contact precautions.  The registered nurse intervenes when the student performs which action?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Clients with a health care-associated infection, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, are placed on contact precautions to prevent transmission of microorganisms. Contact precautions include standard precaution measures in addition to use of a gown and gloves and single-client-use equipment (eg, stethoscopes, blood pressure cuffs, thermometers). Disposable or single-client-use equipment must not be shared between clients or transferred to other care areas. Dedicated equipment should be kept in the room for client care, and then disinfected or discarded when no longer needed (Option A). (Option B) The urine specimen should be placed in a leak-proof specimen cup and then sealed in a biohazard bag before transport to the laboratory. (Option C) To prevent specimen contamination and the introduction of bacteria into the client's urinary tract, the nurse should scrub the Foley collection port with alcohol or chlorhexidine for 15 seconds before withdrawing a specimen. (Option D) Hand hygiene with an alcohol-based hand rub is recommended, unless there is visible soiling of the hands with body fluids, or after contact with Clostridium difficile. In both situations, hand hygiene must be performed with soap and water to thoroughly remove contaminants left behind by alcohol-based rubs. Educational objective: Nurses should implement contact precautions (eg, gown/gloves, single-client-use equipment) for clients with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus to prevent transmission of microorganisms. Single-client-use or disposable equipment should not be shared between clients. Hand hygiene with alcohol-based hand rubs is appropriate unless visible soiling or exposure to Clostridium difficile occurs.

A Student Nurse Assesses and Obtains a Urine Specimen from a Client