Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse (CWON) Practice Test

What are the typical symptoms of CA-MRSA infection?

1. Acute pain and swelling of joints

2. Acutely tender, indurated lesion with purulent center

3. General malaise and fever only

4. Chronic skin rashes and discoloration

The correct answer is: Acutely tender, indurated lesion with purulent center

The symptoms of Community-Acquired Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (CA-MRSA) infection typically include an acutely tender, indurated lesion with a purulent center. This description aligns well with the common clinical presentation of CA-MRSA, which often manifests as a skin infection characterized by redness, warmth, swelling, and the presence of pus. The lesion can resemble a boil or abscess, making it distinct and easily identifiable in clinical practice. In contrast, the other options do not represent the hallmark features of CA-MRSA. Acute pain and swelling of joints may indicate a different type of infection or condition, like septic arthritis, rather than a typical skin infection associated with CA-MRSA. General malaise and fever are nonspecific symptoms that can occur in a variety of infections but do not specifically point to CA-MRSA, which is more characterized by local skin symptoms. Chronic skin rashes and discoloration suggest a more long-term dermatological condition, rather than the acute presentation typically seen with CA-MRSA infections. Thus, the described symptoms of an acutely tender, indurated lesion with a purulent center are critical for recognizing and diagnosing CA-MRSA effectively.