MRSA exposure???

ICRN2008, BSN, RN · Aug 19, 2008

We cannot give medical advice on this forum. If you are looking for general information on MRSA, I suggest you visit the CDC website. Here are some links:

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_mrsa.html

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_MRSA_spotlight_2006.html

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/pdf/ar/MRSAPatientInfoSheet.pdf

Let this be a lesson to all of us to use standard precautions in all of our patient interactions!

Tash4nvyblues, RN · Aug 19, 2008

Wasn't this a reason to fill out an incident report?

An incident report should definitely be filled out no matter how minor the incident seems at the time. And this girl should seek medical advice. My question is, as has already been mentioned, where were the universal precautions in this situation. In my position, even if the client has no contagious diseases, we have to, under occ health and safety rules, wear protective glasses for all jobs involving bodily fluids, because you never know what and where body fluids will splash. I hope your friend is fine.

sly3274 · Aug 19, 2008

In our hospital, this kind of incident should be reported to our house supervisor, she then give us a referral to ER to be checked by the health care provider on duty. btw that is... as soon as possible, no time wasted... :no: :no: :no:

mickey56 · Aug 19, 2008

In this case, I would definitely file an incident report. Sometimes, the infection would not show up a few days later and you protect yourself. It happened to me before, the vent tubing pop off and water splashed to my eyes. I did not filed incident report, and a few days later I had red eyes. I had to replace my contacts and paid for my own treatment.

So, I filed incident report if I think of any doubts on my mind

mpccrn, BSN, RN · Aug 19, 2008

i can't tell you the number of times i've taken care of patients several days in a row only to find out they are + for mrsa......never once was i cultured, treated or have gotten sick for that matter. you could fill out an incident report to cover yourself but this happens so routinely we don't even blink an eye at it. personally, i don't give it a second thougt

mytoby12 · Nov 3, 2009

I am going thru this same thing right now. I was exposed 2 years ago via a JP drain . the pt. had MRSA. I was in the room with the CNA helping turn the patient when it happened. The CNA did not see the drain was stuck in the railing and did not hear me in time to stop turning her. She was on precautions but all we had to wear was a gown and gloves, no protective eyewear . Ofcourse I would have if i had been emptying the drain or working with the patient. I went to the ER, filled out incident report and no cultures or followup was done on me either. I should have been tested for HIV, Hep B and C also after a body fluid exposure. But none of this was done. Over the last two years I have had what I thought was allergies (itchy eyes) and once had a stye. Nothing I would have linked to MRSA. I got an infection in my eyes last week and found out I have MRSA. My eye Dr said it was from the exposure as MRSA can show up and you may not even notice the symptoms. Also, it can lay dormant for a long time before an infection occurs. but ofcourse workmans comp will not pay and the treatment is very expensive. We are in the process of getting all my documentation over the two years to see if they will change their minds.So always fill out report , and demand to see an eye Doctor to get cultures even if there are no symptoms. You have to protect yourself. Good luck to your friend I noticed her exposure was a year ago.SHe needs to be checked out even if she has had no symptoms to make sure the MRSA has not just been dormant.