What personal protective equipment (PPE) is most appropriate for a nurse caring for a patient with MRSA?

The most appropriate personal protective equipment for a nurse caring for a patient with Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is gloves and gown. This is essential because MRSA can be transmitted via direct contact with contaminated surfaces or through the skin of infected individuals. Wearing gloves serves to prevent any direct contact with the patient’s skin or potentially contaminated items, while the gown provides a barrier against transmission through clothing.

In a healthcare setting, MRSA requires contact precautions. While gloves alone could protect against direct contact, the gown is necessary to protect the nurse's clothing and skin from potential exposure to body fluids or contaminated materials that may occur in the course of patient care.

Using a mask is typically not required unless there are additional respiratory precautions indicated, which is not the case for standard MRSA care unless the patient also presents respiratory symptoms. Additionally, the option indicating no PPE is necessary does not consider the risk of transmission associated with MRSA, making it crucial for healthcare workers to use appropriate protective measures to ensure both their safety and that of other patients.