For a client with a history of MRSA, what is the priority action to check if the organism is still present?

The priority action in checking if MRSA is still present in a patient with a history of the infection is to culture the client's blood. This method is vital as it allows for the direct identification of the organism, confirming the presence of MRSA in the bloodstream. Culturing blood samples can provide critical information, especially if the patient is experiencing signs of an infection that may indicate a systemic issue.

Conducting a physical examination would not yield specific information regarding the presence of MRSA, as it relies on observable symptoms rather than definitive testing. Prescribing broad-spectrum antibiotics without confirming the presence of MRSA could lead to inappropriate treatment and contribute to antibiotic resistance. Monitoring vital signs is important for assessing the patient's overall condition, but it does not directly determine the presence of MRSA in the body. Therefore, culturing the blood is the most effective and targeted approach for confirming MRSA infection status.