How should patients infected with MRSA or VRE be cared for in the dialysis unit?

Patients infected with MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) or VRE (Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus) should primarily be cared for by adhering to standard precautions, which include wearing gloves when touching any soiled skin or clothing. This practice is essential for preventing the transmission of these highly resistant organisms. Standard precautions encompass a variety of infection control practices designed to protect healthcare workers and patients alike, ensuring that the risk of introducing pathogens to non-infected individuals is minimized.

The practice of wearing gloves when handling contaminated materials is a fundamental component of infection control. Maintaining proper hygiene and using personal protective equipment helps prevent cross-contamination within the dialysis unit. This is especially crucial in settings like dialysis, where patients may have compromised immune systems and are more vulnerable to infections.

Other options, while they address infection control, may not align as effectively with standard guidelines or best practices. For example, infusing IV antibiotics throughout the entire dialysis treatment is generally not a standard practice in dialysis, as it could lead to complications or inefficiencies in the treatment process. Similarly, isolating patients with draining wounds in a designated room may not always be feasible or necessary for all patients, and could disrupt overall unit operations. Finally, while