What is the appropriate action for a nurse to take to check if an organism is still present in a client with a history of MRSA?

To determine whether an organism such as MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) is still present in a client with a history of infection, culturing the blood is a highly effective method. Blood cultures are particularly useful in identifying systemic infections where bacteria may have entered the bloodstream. This is critical in cases where there are concerns about the spread of MRSA, which can lead to serious conditions such as sepsis.

MRSA can cause a range of infections, so monitoring through blood cultures supports the prompt identification of ongoing or new infections. Additionally, it provides insight into whether the patient is at risk for complications, especially if they have been previously treated for MRSA. Blood cultures can help confirm if the organism is still present and detect the effective treatment based on susceptibility profiles.

Other methods, such as culturing urine or performing imaging studies like an MRI, are less direct in confirming the presence of MRSA, and skin testing would not be appropriate for identifying systemic MRSA or ongoing infections. Thus, blood cultures serve as the most relevant and effective diagnostic tool in this scenario.