Okuzeka
Nursing vocabulary · Infection Control

MRSA

Meaning in nursing, with examples

/ˌɛm ɑːr ɛs ˈeɪ/abbreviationCommon term

In nursing, MRSA means: Short for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: a type of bacteria that many common antibiotics cannot kill and that can cause infections, especially in hospitals.

In Turkish: MRSA, metisiline dirençli Staphylococcus aureus

How it is used

Many people carry MRSA on their skin or in their nose without being ill ('colonised'); it becomes a problem when it gets into a wound or the blood. Hospitals often screen patients with nose and groin swabs on admission, and positive patients may be isolated or given special washes and nasal cream.

Example sentences

  1. His admission swab came back positive for MRSA, so he's moving to a side room.

  2. Being colonised with MRSA doesn't mean you have an infection.

Common collocations

  • MRSA screen
  • MRSA positive
  • MRSA swab
  • colonised with MRSA
  • isolationKeeping a patient apart from others, usually in a single room with extra precautions, to stop an infection spreading or to protect a patient with weak immunity.
  • hospital-acquired infectionAn infection that a patient picks up while in hospital or receiving healthcare, which was not present or developing when they were admitted.
  • hand hygieneCleaning your hands with soap and water or an alcohol hand rub to remove germs and stop them spreading between patients.
  • PPEShort for personal protective equipment: gloves, aprons, gowns, masks, eye protection and similar items worn to protect staff and patients from infection.

More terms: Infection Control

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not medical advice.