Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse (CWON) Practice Test

What is a common treatment for CA-MRSA infections?

1. Topical steroids and ointments

2. Incision and drainage, and antibiotics

3. Only oral antibiotics

4. Antivirals and supportive care only

The correct answer is: Incision and drainage, and antibiotics

The common treatment for community-acquired Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) infections involves incision and drainage, along with the administration of antibiotics. This approach is crucial because CA-MRSA often leads to the formation of abscesses, particularly in skin and soft tissue infections. Incision and drainage allow for the removal of purulent material, which helps alleviate pressure and promotes healing. After addressing the localized infection through drainage, antibiotics are necessary to eliminate the bacteria from the body. While certain oral antibiotics that are effective against MRSA may be used, the combination of both drainage and antibiotics provides a comprehensive treatment strategy aimed at managing the infection effectively and preventing complications. This method also acknowledges the possibility of resistance patterns, emphasizing that relying solely on oral antibiotics without drainage might not adequately control the infection, especially in cases where an abscess has formed. It is important to note that while supportive care and other modalities may play a role in the overall management of the patient, they do not replace the need for surgical intervention and targeted antibiotic therapy in the treatment of CA-MRSA.