Caregiver AT HOME family around grandma in wheel chairIt is very important that caregivers follow contact and barrier precautions with a patient that has MRSA. 1. Environmental cleaning is important and any bandages that are changed should be done with gloves on and the bandages be put immediately in a plastic bag that is tied shut and disposed of promptly. 2. Follow the hospitals discharge sheet (one should be provided) for MRSA and look for any signs of change of condition of the patient such as: temperature increase, change in wound or skin infection (increase in redness, pus, swelling or warm to the touch). If a change occurs, immediately call the patients doctor and describe the changes in condition. 3. Continue to clean surfaces in the home with a disinfectant and also wash clothing, towels, bedding, etc. frequently in hot water with bleach. No members of the household should share any personal items such as: towels, clothing, razors, etc. 4. MRSA infections can be very persistent and colonization (carrier) between household members is common. It is highly recommended that all members of the household be tested (MRSA screening) if recurring infections continue to happen. The MRSA test is a simple nasal swab and results are back in 2-3 days. DNA rapid testing may also be available and results can be back in one day. 5. Decolonization – those who test positive for MRSA (carrier) can be decolonized by a doctor prescribing a five-day antibiotic ointment to be put in the nares (nostrils) and usually prescribed for five days. Chlorhexidine bleach baths should be done several times and can be purchased in any drug store. Diluted household bleach in the bath can be also used, but not used on the face or infected area. 6. Emotional issues – many MRSA patients will have a change in their mood or personality due to medication and results from prolonged illness and recurring infections. Anger, depression, anxiety and (PTSD) post traumatic stress disorder are all common. If these symptoms continue, a healthcare professional should be sought who has experience treating the above mentioned conditions. These conditions are currently not being addressed by the most in the healthcare field and MRSA patients can have a sense of isolation and withdraw from everyday life. To completely heal, the emotional side of this disease needs to be addressed
Posted on: Fri, 13 Sep 2013 22:27:26 +0000