North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

What is the treatment for MRSA primarily focused on?

1. Over-the-counter medications

2. Antibiotics

3. Natural remedies

4. Immediate surgical intervention

The correct answer is: Antibiotics

The treatment for Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is primarily focused on the use of antibiotics. MRSA is a type of staph bacteria that has developed resistance to many common antibiotics, which makes it more difficult to treat. While methicillin and some other beta-lactam antibiotics are ineffective against MRSA, there are specific antibiotics that are effective in treating infections caused by this resistant strain. These include vancomycin, linezolid, daptomycin, and others that are specifically designed to target MRSA. The selection of an appropriate antibiotic often depends on the specific characteristics of the infection and patient factors, including allergy history and kidney function. Other options, such as over-the-counter medications or natural remedies, are generally not effective against serious bacterial infections like MRSA. Additionally, while immediate surgical intervention may be necessary in certain cases to drain abscesses or remove infected tissue, the primary treatment focus remains on antibiotic therapy, as this directly targets the bacteria responsible for the infection.