Q:MRSA describes a specific type of bacteria that are resistant to certain antibiotics.
The correct answer is: • True
Explanation:
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a type of staph bacteria that is resistant to certain antibiotics, including methicillin, oxacillin, penicillin, and amoxicillin.
MRSA is highly contagious and anyone can get it. You can get MRSA the same way you can get a cold, such as by touching someone or something that has Staph bacteria on it and then touching your eyes, nose, or any scrape or abrasion on your skin.
MRSA is often referred to as a "superbug," which is a nonspecific word that is used to describe any microorganism that is resistant to at least one or more commonly used antibiotics.
In U.S. hospitals, MRSA causes more than 60% of Staph infections. Additionally, MRSA outbreaks occur in diverse types of people who are constantly in close contact, such as team players of contact sports, dormitory residents, inmates, and armed-services personnel.
Q:MRSA most often enters the body through droplets from coughing or sneezing.
The correct answer is: • False
Explanation:
MRSA most often enters the body through a cut or wound by direct contact. The key to preventing MRSA infections is for everyone to practice good hygiene:
- Keep your hands clean by washing thoroughly with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand rub
- Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a bandage until healed
- Avoid contact with other people's wounds or bandages
- Avoid sharing personal items such as towels or razors
Q:MRSA can cause sepsis, which is an infection of the blood.
Q:MRSA can cause sepsis, which is an infection of the blood.
The correct answer is: • True
Explanation:
Severe cases of MRSA can result in MRSA spreading into the blood and causing sepsis. The term sepsis is often used interchangeably with septicemia, a serious, life-threatening blood infection that progresses very quickly and is often fatal.
Q:A MRSA skin infection can often mimic a ________________.
Q:A MRSA skin infection can often mimic a ________________.
The correct answer is: C Spider bite
Explanation:
MRSA most often appears as a skin infection, like a boil or abscess. Many people who actually have a Staph skin infection often mistake it for a spider bite.
Q:MRSA infections can cause complications such as...
Q:MRSA infections can cause complications such as...
The correct answer is: D All of the above
Explanation:
Staph infections are known to cause pneumonia. In rare cases, a MRSA infection can be serious or fatal. Very rarely, Staph can result in necrotizing fasciitis, or "flesh-eating" bacterial infections. These are serious skin infections that spread very quickly.
Q:The skin condition cellulitis can be caused by MRSA or by other bacterial types.
Q:The skin condition cellulitis can be caused by MRSA or by other bacterial types.
The correct answer is: • True
Explanation:
MRSA is one of several bacterial types that can cause cellulitis, an infection of the deeper layers of skin and the tissues beneath. On the surface, the skin looks pink or red, like sunburn, and may be warm, tender, and swollen. Cellulitis may spread quickly over a few hours.
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on to make decisions about your health. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the MedicineNet Site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.