A charge nurse is observing a newly licensed nurse care for a client who has a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Which of the foll owing observations of the newly licensed nurse indicates an understanding of infection control precautions?

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection requires strict adherence to contact precautions to prevent transmission between clients, staff, and the environment. MRSA is spread primarily through direct contact with infected wounds or contaminated surfaces. Proper infection control measures include the use of gloves, gowns, and appropriate hand hygiene. Understanding standard and transmission-based precautions is essential for safe nursing practice. A. Wearing an N95 mask is not required for MRSA because it is not transmitted through airborne particles. N95 respirators are used for airborne precautions such as tuberculosis or measles. MRSA requires contact precautions, so this level of respiratory protection is unnecessary. B. Wearing clean gloves when caring for the client demonstrates correct infection control practice under contact precautions. Gloves must be worn when touching the client or potentially contaminated surfaces to prevent transmission of MRSA. Hand hygiene before and after glove use is also essential to reduce cross-contamination. C. Remaining 3 feet away from the client is not part of MRSA precautions because the organism is not spread via droplet or airborne routes. Contact precautions require physical barrier protection rather than maintaining a specific distance. This action does not reflect correct infection control practice. D. Disposing of the isolation gown outside of the client’s room is incorrect and increases the risk of contamination. PPE such as gowns should be removed and discarded inside the client’s room before exiting to prevent spreading MRSA to other areas. Proper removal technique is a key component of contact precautions.