What it means
A strain of Staphylococcus aureus that has become resistant to vancomycinvan-koh-MY-sinAn antibiotic, given by IV for serious gram-positive infections or by mouth for one bowel infection.Full entry , one of the main drugs used for MRSAMUR-suh, or said as lettersMethicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, a staph bacterium that many common antibiotics cannot kill.Full entry . It is very rare in the US, and every case is reported to public health. It spreads by touch: hands, equipment and surfaces.
For the nurse
Use contact precautions: a gown and gloves for all contact with the client and their room, dedicated equipment such as a stethoscope, and careful hand hygieneHAND HY-jeenCleaning the hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.Full entry . Follow the infection preventionist's instructions.
At a glance
| Also written | vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Vancomycin-Resistant S. Aureus |
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Related terms
MRSA
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, a staph bacterium that many common antibiotics cannot kill.
hand hygiene
Cleaning the hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.
contact precautions
Infection control steps, used on top of standard precautions, for germs that spread by touching the client or things around them.
vancomycin
An antibiotic, given by IV for serious gram-positive infections or by mouth for one bowel infection.