CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

What personal protective equipment (PPE) is required for a patient with MRSA?

1. Mask and gloves

2. Gloves and gown

3. Gown only

4. Gloves only

The correct answer is: Gloves and gown

For a patient with Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), contact precautions are essential to prevent the spread of the infection, particularly in healthcare settings. The requirement for gloves and a gown is based on the fact that MRSA can be transmitted through direct contact with contaminated surfaces or items, as well as person-to-person contact. Wearing gloves provides a barrier between the healthcare provider and infectious materials, such as bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces. A gown is equally important because it helps protect the healthcare worker's clothing and skin from exposure to infection when handling the patient or coming into contact with surfaces in the patient's environment. This combination of PPE is critical in controlling the transmission of MRSA, intended to limit exposure to infectious agents and ensure the safety of both patients and healthcare professionals. In contrast, using only a mask or just gloves may not sufficiently prevent the transmission of MRSA, as these measures alone do not account for contact with contaminated surfaces or fomites. Therefore, the requirement for both gloves and a gown is the appropriate rationale for the correct answer.