Isolation patient question

[ashleyelam]

We have a patient with MRSA and pseudomonas in her sputum. Heres my question for all of you: Shouldn't this pt be in a negative pressure room? Our DON refused this pt. while the DON was out sick our business mgr accepted the pt. We do not have any specialized isolation rooms here at our facility and I feel that it is a huge risk to staff and other patients because we have to remove isolation gear an wash in the room. All my CNAs and myself are now sick, sore throats and URIs within just a couple shifts with this pt. None of us have been to the Dr. because we are in the middle of state inspection and pulling OT to keep extra staff to compensate. I'm totally worried! Our DON is still out sick so I cannot talk to her about it.

[mariebailey, MSN, RN]

A negative pressure room is not necessary because MRSA & Pseudomonas aeruginosa are not airborne diseases. Also, Pseudomonas aeruginosa rarely causes illness in healthy people. Contact your health department if you are concerned and are noticing several people with similar symptoms.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

The patient with MRSA and pseudomonas certainly needs an isolation room, but not necessarily a negative pressure room.

[mariebailey, MSN, RN]

For patients with MRSA colonization/infection of the respiratory tract:

- Wear masks only if the patient is coughing or when performing suctioning procedures.

- Wear gowns only if clothes are likely to become soiled.

- Practice good handwashing and wear gloves when handling respiratory secretions.

GUIDELINES FOR THE CONTROL OF MRSA