People with an active infection from a multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) would typically require what type of transmission-based precautions?
A Droplet precautions
B Contact precautions
C Standard precautions
D Airborne
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is B Contact precautions.
Transmission-based precautions are additional infection control measures used in healthcare settings for patients known or suspected to be infected with highly transmissible or epidemiologically important pathogens. These precautions are designed to prevent the spread of infectious agents that cannot be controlled by standard precautions alone.
Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) are bacteria that have developed resistance to multiple antibiotics, making infections difficult to treat. Examples include Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE), and certain resistant strains of Gram-negative bacteria. These organisms are most commonly spread through direct or indirect contact with the infected person or contaminated surfaces.
Contact precautions are intended to interrupt transmission through direct physical contact with the patient or indirect contact with environmental surfaces or patient-care items. They typically include the use of gloves and gowns when entering the patient’s room and ensuring proper hand hygiene before and after patient contact. Patient equipment is either dedicated to the infected patient or properly disinfected between uses. The patient is often placed in a private room or cohorted with patients who have the same infection.
Droplet precautions are used for infections spread through large respiratory droplets, such as influenza or pertussis. These require wearing a surgical mask when within close proximity to the patient.
Airborne precautions are for infections transmitted by tiny airborne particles, like tuberculosis or measles, requiring use of a respirator mask and a negative pressure isolation room.
Standard precautions are the basic infection control measures applied to all patients regardless of diagnosis and include hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment as needed, respiratory hygiene, and safe injection practices.
Since MDRO infections primarily spread via contact, contact precautions are the most appropriate and effective way to prevent transmission in healthcare settings.