NCLEX: A 71-year-old client in a long-term care facility is being evaluated for nursing care related to normal flora and…

Microbiology Safety and Infection Prevention and Control

Case Study

A 71-year-old client in a long-term care facility is being evaluated for nursing care related to normal flora and opportunistic infection. Assessment data include wound culture grows MRSA with spreading erythema. Which finding requires the nurse to intervene immediately?

Question

A. The new finding that wound culture grows MRSA with spreading erythema.
B. A stable, long-standing finding that matches the expected care plan.
C. A comfort request with unchanged vital signs and no new symptoms.
D. Routine data unchanged from the prior assessment.

Rationale

Correct answer: A. The new finding that wound culture grows MRSA with spreading erythema.

Rationale: Follow-up items test whether the nurse recognizes cues that are new, acute, or inconsistent with stability and need prompt nursing action.

Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.

Level: Foundational

Difficulty: Easy

Subtopic: Normal flora and opportunistic infection