Drug Resistant Bacteria

Drug resistant bacteria are "germs" that have learned how to stop even our most powerful antibiotics from  working against them.

CARING FOR CLIENTS WITH MRSA

People with active MRSA infections should be isolated with “Contact Precautions.”  This means that anyone who has contact with the client or the client’s environment must wear a gown and gloves during that contact.

Here are the guidelines for contact precautions:

• Gather supplies you will need in advance.
• Wash your hands!
• Put on clean gown and gloves before entering the environment.
• Remove and dispose of the gown and gloves just before leaving.
• Wash your hands again!

CARING FOR CLIENTS WITH TB

• People with active TB infections should be isolated in a room that is equipped with special air handling and ventilation to keep the germ from leaving the room.
• Anyone that has contact with the client or the client’s environment should use both “Airborne and Contact Precautions”.  This means that you must follow all the guidelines on page 6 and wear a specially fitted mask during contact.
• If you are asked to watch your client swallow anti-TB pills, be sure you know what to watch for and what to document.
• Be sure to report if your client has symptoms of TB, including:  fever, night sweats and a hacking cough—which often produces mucus and/or blood.

How can you help prevent the spread of drug resistant bacteria?

• The single, most important thing you can do to prevent the spread of drug resistant bacteria is to wash your hands before and after any contact with your clients and their environment.
• Use soap and water to wash your hands. Scrub for at least 30 seconds.  (Or, follow your workplace policy)
• The key to washing your hands is not the kind of soap or the temperature of the water.  It’s the energy you put into scrubbing your hands.  Friction gets rid of bacteria—not soap.

What else can you do?

• NEVER share personal hygiene items such as towels and razors (with or between clients).
• Keep doorknobs, toilets, tables, chairs, counter tops, cabinets and sinks clean. 
• Make sure wounds are covered with clean bandaging.