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sharonariffic14 · Jul 13, 2012, 06:56 PM

I am in the EMS field and had a pt that has active MRSA. The Nursing staff at the Nursing home failed to give this information until the pt vomited on me, at that point I took extra precautions with additional PPE. The pt was vent dependent and when Respiratory Therapy went to change her to our portable vent, she accidentally pulled her foley cath line lose and urine proceeded to spray on myself and my partner. I am not real familiar with active MRSA, nor was my manager when I brought it to his attention. I guess my question is, what is the risk with this type of exposure?

Wondergirl · Jul 13, 2012, 07:02 PM

Did you have any open cuts or wounds at the time when this occurred? I'm guessing you washed thoroughly immediately afterwards?

sharonariffic14 · Jul 13, 2012, 07:06 PM

Thank you for the quick response. I did wash immediately with soap and water, as far as open wounds, the only open spot I have is around the J- Tube in my stomach which wad covered by my uniform. I am unsure how likely it would be for it to enter that way.

Wondergirl · Jul 13, 2012, 07:12 PM

I'm not a medical expert, but have dealt with cellulitis and MRSA in my own life. I'll PM our site nurse for input.

sharonariffic14 · Jul 13, 2012, 07:16 PM

Originally Posted by Wondergirl

Did you have any open cuts or wounds at the time when this occurred? I'm guessing you washed thoroughly immediately afterwards?

I accidentally replied in the submit area, sorry I'm new to this site.

sharonariffic14 · Jul 13, 2012, 07:17 PM

Originally Posted by Wondergirl

I'm not a medical expert, but have dealt with cellulitis and MRSA in my own life. I'll PM our site nurse for input.

Thank you very much, I appreciate it.

Wondergirl · Jul 13, 2012, 07:24 PM

She's a labor and delivery nurse -- I PMed her and hope she will come online soon.

sharonariffic14 · Jul 13, 2012, 07:32 PM

Originally Posted by Wondergirl

She's a labor and delivery nurse -- I PMed her and hope she will come online soon.

Thank you!

J_9 · Jul 13, 2012, 10:25 PM

Was this MRSA active through the respiratory system or was it a case of an open wound?

sharonariffic14 · Jul 14, 2012, 04:26 AM

Originally Posted by J_9

Was this MRSA active through the respiratory system or was it a case of an open wound?

unfortunately, the Respiratory system.

J_9 · Jul 14, 2012, 05:36 AM

I wouldn't be too concerned with the urine unless the patient was septic. Remember that the vomitus comes from the abdomen, not the respiratory system. However, with that said, it is possible to be exposed to the droplets if the patient breathed on you.

Are you healthy? Do you have a compromised immune system?

I would also recommend that you talk to your supervisor about the possibility of doing a post exposure packet.

sharonariffic14 · Jul 14, 2012, 06:02 AM

Originally Posted by J_9

I wouldn't be too concerned with the urine unless the patient was septic. Remember that the vomitus comes from the abdomen, not the respiratory system. However, with that said, it is possible to be exposed to the droplets if the patient breathed on you.

Are you healthy? Do you have a compromised immune system?

I would also recommend that you talk to your supervisor about the possibility of doing a post exposure packet.

I would say I may be a little compromised due to SMA syndrome, my only real concern is entry through my j-tube

J_9 · Jul 14, 2012, 06:05 AM

Then you need to talk to your supervisor about doing a post exposure packet. You usually can get this done through the infection control office.