A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client about treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?

A. Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act:

The Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) is a federal law that regulates the manufacturing, labeling, and distribution of food, drugs, cosmetics, and medical devices in the United States. While the FD&C Act does provide some regulatory authority over certain aspects of dietary supplements, such as labeling requirements and good manufacturing practices, it is not the primary law governing the regulation of herbal and dietary supplements.

B. Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations:

The Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), now known as The Joint Commission, is an independent, nonprofit organization that accredits and certifies healthcare organizations and programs in the United States. However, The Joint Commission is not responsible for regulating herbal and dietary supplements.

C. Health and Human Services (HHS):

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is a cabinet-level executive branch department of the U.S. federal government. While HHS oversees various health-related agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it is not the primary regulatory authority for herbal and dietary supplements.

D. Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA):

The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994 is the primary law that regulates herbal and dietary supplements in the United States. DSHEA defines dietary supplements, sets forth labeling requirements, establishes good manufacturing practices, and outlines the responsibilities of manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements. Under DSHEA, dietary supplements are regulated as a category of food rather than as drugs.

A. Antibiotic dosages below the minimum concentration are prescribed:

This statement is incorrect. When treating MRSA infections, it's essential to prescribe antibiotic dosages that achieve adequate concentrations to effectively combat the resistant bacteria. Suboptimal dosages or inadequate duration of treatment can contribute to treatment failure and the development of antibiotic resistance. Therefore, the nurse should emphasize the importance of prescribing appropriate dosages of antibiotics for MRSA infections.

B. Broad-spectrum antibiotics are used whenever possible:

This statement is not accurate. While broad-spectrum antibiotics may be effective against a wide range of bacteria, they are not always the preferred choice for treating MRSA infections. MRSA is resistant to many antibiotics, including those commonly used as broad-spectrum agents. Therefore, the treatment of MRSA typically involves antibiotics that are specifically effective against this resistant strain, such as vancomycin, daptomycin, linezolid, or other agents based on susceptibility testing. Therefore, the nurse should educate the client that specific antibiotics effective against MRSA are used, rather than relying solely on broad-spectrum antibiotics.

C. Antibiotics are prescribed only when a viral infection is present:

This statement is incorrect. Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections, including those caused by viruses such as influenza or the common cold. MRSA is a bacterial infection, and antibiotics are indicated for its treatment. However, it's essential to use antibiotics judiciously and only when necessary to avoid contributing to antibiotic resistance. The nurse should educate the client that antibiotics are prescribed for bacterial infections like MRSA, but they are not appropriate for viral infections.

D. Infections become resistant to high doses of antibiotics:

This statement is accurate. Overuse or inappropriate use of antibiotics, including high doses, can contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance. Bacteria like MRSA can acquire resistance mechanisms that render antibiotics ineffective, even at high doses. Therefore, it's crucial to use antibiotics judiciously, following appropriate dosing guidelines and duration of treatment, to minimize the risk of antibiotic resistance. The nurse should include this information in the teaching to emphasize the importance of responsible antibiotic use in the management of MRSA infections.