Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse (CWON) Practice Test

What is recommended for cleaning shared sports equipment to reduce CA-MRSA risk?

1. Use cold water and mild detergent

2. Clean with hot, sudsy water

3. Rinse with vinegar solution

4. Soak in alcohol solution

The correct answer is: Clean with hot, sudsy water

Using hot, sudsy water is recommended for cleaning shared sports equipment to effectively reduce the risk of community-associated Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA). The high temperature of the water assists in breaking down oils, dirt, and other contaminants that can harbor bacteria, including MRSA. The detergent enhances the cleaning process by penetrating and loosening debris and microorganisms from surfaces. Hot water is particularly effective because it can help kill pathogens, reducing the chances of transmission among athletes sharing equipment. In contrast, while vinegar, alcohol, or cold water with mild detergent might offer some level of cleaning, they do not provide the same efficacy as hot, sudsy water when it comes to disinfecting surfaces where bacteria may thrive. Thus, the choice of hot, sudsy water emerges as the most effective method of reducing CA-MRSA risk on shared sports equipment.