**Core Concept**
MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) outbreaks in healthcare settings can be prevented through effective infection control measures, including hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and isolation of infected patients. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend a multi-faceted approach to prevent MRSA transmission.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer involves the use of decolonization therapy, which is a key component of preventing MRSA outbreaks. Decolonization involves the use of antimicrobial agents, such as chlorhexidine gluconate baths and mupirocin nasal ointment, to reduce the colonization of MRSA on the skin and in the nares. This can help prevent the spread of MRSA to other patients and healthcare workers. Decolonization should be performed in conjunction with other infection control measures, such as hand hygiene and use of PPE.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because it does not provide a specific strategy for preventing MRSA outbreaks. Hand hygiene is an important aspect of infection control, but it is not a sufficient strategy on its own to prevent MRSA outbreaks.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because it involves the use of antibiotics, which are not recommended for routine decolonization of MRSA. Antibiotics can actually contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because it is a general statement about infection control, but it does not provide a specific strategy for preventing MRSA outbreaks.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key aspect of preventing MRSA outbreaks is to identify and isolate patients who are colonized with MRSA, and to perform decolonization therapy on these patients. This can help prevent the spread of MRSA to other patients and healthcare workers.
**Correct Answer:**
B. Use of decolonization therapy, such as chlorhexidine gluconate baths and mupirocin nasal ointment, to reduce MRSA colonization.
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