Question

a nurse is caring for a client whose sputum culture results indicate methicillin - resistant staphylococcus aureus (mrsa). the nurse should recognize that which of the following medications will likely be administered to this client?

• trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole
• tetracycline
• cephalexin
• vancomycin

Explanation:

MRSA is resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics (like Cephalexin) and many common antibiotics. Vancomycin is a first-line antibiotic for treating invasive MRSA infections, as it is effective against this resistant strain. Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole and Tetracycline may be used for milder cases, but Vancomycin is the standard for more severe (like pulmonary, indicated by sputum culture) MRSA infections. Cephalexin is ineffective against MRSA due to its beta-lactam class.

Answer:

Vancomycin