Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Infection Related

Review Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Infection related questions and content

A client with a Staphylococcus aureus infection present in a sacral pressure ulcer has received treatment with three courses of antibiotics without eliminating the infection. What does the nurse understand has occurred with the client?

  • A. The client has a multidrug-resistant strain of bacteria.
  • B. The client has been misdiagnosed and has another type of microorganism present.
  • C. Staphylococcus aureus cannot be treated by antibiotics.
  • D. Staphylococcus aureus is a fungus and must be treated with an antifungal agent, not an antibiotic.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Some bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Escherichia coli, are developing multidrug resistance, the ability to remain unaffected by antimicrobial drugs such as antibiotics. There are no facts to indicate the client has been misdiagnosed. Staphylococcus aureus is treated with antibiotics and is a bacterium, not a fungus.