What practice is recommended for open MRSA wounds?

• A. Leave wounds uncovered
• B. Cover wounds with dressing
• C. Debride daily with bare hands
• D. Use shared towels

Answer: (B)

Open MRSA wounds need a barrier to prevent spread and to create a controlled healing environment. Covering the wound with a dressing provides that barrier, catching drainage, protecting the wound from dirt and friction, and reducing the chance that MRSA will be transmitted to others or picked up by the patient’s environment. This is a core part of infection control and wound care.

Leaving wounds uncovered increases the risk of contamination and transmission. Debriding daily with bare hands is unsafe because it requires sterile technique and proper instruments and gloves; doing this casually can introduce or spread infection. Sharing towels or other personal items can transfer MRSA between people, so they should not be shared. Covering the wound with a dressing is the appropriate, protective practice.