Scratched by cat with MRSA

RE: Scratched by cat with MRSA

Jill Macdonald — Mon, 01 Aug 2016 17:46:27 GMT

The Bella Moss Foundation may be able to help you with specific questions relating to MRSA, and I'd bet they could help with protocols going forward too...

http://www.thebellamossfoundation.com/

RE: Scratched by cat with MRSA

Alison Clare Hickman — Sat, 30 Jul 2016 17:14:50 GMT

Hi,

Glad to hear you are okay.

As regards going forwards I am presuming your workplace will recognise the possibility you could become a carrier and allow you to wear appropriate PPE to avoid the possibility of cross-infection? I think you're my kind of nurse and would insist on it anyway!

My mind boggles and I admit my heart sinks at your description of your practice's general lack of understanding and commitment to infection control. . . I applaud your original question on the forum seeking advice and reassurance and your commitment to do things right both by yourself and your current and future patients. Well done you.

Be well. Continue to be a fab nurse. Big respects.

Ali h

RE: Scratched by cat with MRSA

VetNurse Anon a/c — Sat, 30 Jul 2016 08:07:04 GMT

We have a similar SOP like the one that has been attached. We dont however have long sleeves on our aprons or gowns to cover ourselves up completely and we never have. When I recorded it in the accident book nothing was said to me about going to the doctors which is why I asked on here.

I went and spoke to the doctors and they said they weren't really too sure themselves. Seeing as the scratches are healing then they said me having it is unlikely but I could become a carrier and if I ever went into hospital then I would know then as they would swab me.

RE: Scratched by cat with MRSA

Sal the 1st — Sat, 30 Jul 2016 03:29:04 GMT

Ta muchly - I know what our policy is as I have been sorting all ours out along with a lot of other H+S stuff. I really wasn't cut out for paperwork - its driving me mad. Just wondered if the OP's practice already had a SOP that they could refer to?

RE: Scratched by cat with MRSA

Alison Clare Hickman — Fri, 29 Jul 2016 09:52:20 GMT

Hiya Sal,

I attached an H&S SOP in my response above; attached again herewww.vetnurse.co.uk/.../3872.MRSA-SOP.rtf. Is that any good? If not, I'll look at what else I've got that might be of use. Let me know.

Ali h

RE: Scratched by cat with MRSA

Sal the 1st — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 23:32:24 GMT

so what is your H+S policy on this? - apologies for asking but I am wading (and drowning) trying to work through and keep our H+S up to date

RE: Scratched by cat with MRSA

VetNurse Anon a/c — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 21:45:10 GMT

Thanks Steph. I've just been in 2 minds about what to do to be honest. I've not been happy at all going in to treat him without any arm covers/sleeves but when the practice won't order any in and you're the only nurse to go into the cat it's a bit difficult and can't really do much else.

My mind has been put as ease so thank you both. I will still go to the doctors just to be 100 percent certain.

Thank you both once again.

RE: Scratched by cat with MRSA

Steph Worsley — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 21:17:08 GMT

ideally when barrier nursing anything like that (well anything really) you should have gowns/aprons that cover your arms as well but that's beside the point now.

If your wounds are healing/healed then to be honest I doubt you will have got MRSA in them as one of the classic signs is non healing wounds.

TBH though a lot of people can carry MRSA without any issues/even knowing about it.....lost track of the number of times I have been swabbed due to having knee ops....and luckily even though I have dealt with MRSA cases I have always swabbed negative.

RE: Scratched by cat with MRSA

VetNurse Anon a/c — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 20:51:27 GMT

2 scratches were on my hand which have healed (this happened 2 weeks ago now you see). I have another on my arm which has scabbed over now. Yeah we've been barrier nursing him, he's in isolation. I had double gloved but he got me through the gloves. The part of my arm where he got me wasn't covered. It was cultured on his abdomen on 2 lesions. He still has one lesion at the moment so is still on the antibiotics. I just wasn't too sure whether it could be transmitted from him scratching me :/

RE: Scratched by cat with MRSA

Steph Worsley — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 20:33:44 GMT

While you are waiting for your drs appt make sure you keep the scratches covered.

Where has the MRSA been cultured on the cat? I am presuming you have been barrier nursing the cat?

RE: Scratched by cat with MRSA

Alison Clare Hickman — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 20:02:42 GMT

You're very welcome, honey. Do let us know how you get on won't you? If you want some support please feel free to PM me or post again as you have done already.

Blessings and good health.

Ali h

RE: Scratched by cat with MRSA

VetNurse Anon a/c — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 19:55:49 GMT

Thank you so much for that advice. I've put it in the accident book already. I just felt that I didn't get the support from work and then didn't really know what to do about it.

I'll call the doctors in the morning and get an appointment for as soon as possible. Thank you again for your help :)

RE: Scratched by cat with MRSA

Alison Clare Hickman — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 19:50:44 GMT

This might help - SOP.

www.vetnurse.co.uk/.../MRSA-SOP.rtf

RE: Scratched by cat with MRSA

Alison Clare Hickman — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 19:42:16 GMT

Hi,

**EDIT** - seek medical advice asap. ***********

ANY cat scratch should be Accident Book reported and referred to the doctor. Okay, I admit it, I have not always done that myself in the past. However, having recently seen my colleagues hand swell up to twice its normal size and see the amount of pus that came away when she had it lanced (she took photo's for us?! - euuuuuwwww). I would now do so.

Strongly recommend you book a doctor appointment. Strongly recommend Accident Book reported.

Take it from there.

Wish you well.

Ali h