What precaution should be taken for a resident colonized with an MDRO?

• A. No special precautions needed
• B. Place the resident on contact precautions
• C. Isolate the resident in a multi-person room
• D. Increase antibiotic use for treatment

Answer: (B)

A resident colonized with a multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) requires contact precautions to prevent the spread of the organism to other residents, staff, and visitors. Contact precautions involve specific procedures and practices, such as wearing gloves and gowns, to limit direct contact with the resident and their environment. This is particularly important since MDROs can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact or via contaminated surfaces within a shared space.

Implementing contact precautions helps to contain the MDRO and protects vulnerable populations in nursing homes, where residents may have weakened immune systems or other risk factors. This is an essential strategy in infection control that aligns with recommended practices for managing residents who are colonized with MDROs.