NHA Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)Safety and ComplianceMedium
A phlebotomy technician needs to collect blood from a patient with a known history of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in a wound. Which of the following precautions should the technician primarily implement?
- ADroplet precautions
- BStandard precautions only
- CContact precautions
- DAirborne precautions
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Contact precautions
MRSA is a bacterial infection that is primarily spread through direct contact with an infected person or contaminated surfaces. Therefore, contact precautions, which include gloves and gown, are essential to prevent its transmission.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Droplet precautions are for diseases spread through respiratory droplets (e.g., influenza, pertussis).
- B. While standard precautions are always used, MRSA requires additional contact precautions for adequate protection.
- D. Airborne precautions are for diseases spread through small airborne particles (e.g., TB, measles).
Contact Precautions
Infection control measures used for patients known or suspected to be infected or colonized with epidemiologically important microorganisms that can be transmitted by direct or indirect contact.
- Requires gloves and gown upon entry.
- Hand hygiene before and after patient contact.
- Dedicated patient equipment or disinfection.
- Private room preferred.
Memory trick: CAD - Catch A Disease? Use the right defense!