Protocol Training, Part 1: Mupirocin
Background
- 2% Topical cream FDA approved December 1987.
- 2% Nasal ointment FDA approved August 1995.
- Anti-staph action by stopping RNA synthesis.
- Commonly used for:
- MRSA decolonization.
- MRSA or MSSA decolonization prior to cardiac and orthopedic surgery.
- Topical wound treatment.
- Nasal ointment is not systemically absorbed.
- High rate of MRSA and MSSA eradication for first 2 weeks after 5-day application.
- Goal is to prevent MRSA and MSSA infection during high-risk periods (ICU stays, post-op).
Application
- Apply twice a day.
- Repeat for 5 days of ICU stay.
- Discontinue once transferred to non-ICU.
- Begin again if readmitted to ICU (includes transfer between ICUs).
- Place patient's bed at 30 degrees, if tolerated.
- Apply 0.5 g (blueberry-size) amount of mupirocin onto sterile cotton swab.
- Apply swab directly into nostril.
- Repeat for other nostril.
- Press nostrils together and massage gently for 60 seconds.
- Do this twice a day for 5 days during ICU stay.
- Avoid contact with eyes and other intranasal products.
- If nasal devices are in place (e.g., nasal intubation, NG tubes), place mupirocin around tubing and massage gently to distribute ointment.
Safety
- U.S. Trials (N=210):
- Headache 9%.
- Rhinitis 6%.
- Congestion 5%.
- Pharyngitis 4%.
- Taste perversion 3%.
- Burning/stinging 2%.
- Cough 2%.
- Pruritis 1%.
- European Trials (N=2130):
- Rhinitis 1%.
- Taste perversion 0.8%.
- Pharyngitis 0.5%.
Protocol Training, Part 2: Chlorhexidine (CHG)
Background
- Topical cleansing agent, over the counter.
- Used in health care for more than 50 years.
- Marked reduction in skin/room bacteria.
- Commonly used for:
- MRSA decolonization.
- Preoperative bathing/showering.
- Skin prep before central lines/operations.
- Not systemically absorbed in adults.
- CHG reduces bacteria for up to 24 hours and prevents infection.
- Rapid drop in skin bacteria counts.
- Kills almost all bacteria and viruses.
- Goal is to prevent MRSA during high-risk periods (ICU stays, post-op).
- 2% CHG bathing cloths:
- Fast-acting.
- Broad spectrum.
- Continued antimicrobial activity up to 24 hours after application.
- Alcohol-free.
- Contain moisturizers.
- Rinse-free.
- Disposable.
CHG Bathing Cloths
- Six-cloth bundle (three packets).
- Use all six cloths.
- Do not use above jawline.
- Disposable.
CHG Bathing Process
- There are six total cloths in each bundle, three banded packages of two cloths per package.
- If using a cloth warmer, warm cloths before use.
- If using a warm CHG cloth, check the temperature of the CHG cloth prior to use. Gloves diminish sense of heat.
- Cloths may be used without being warmed.
- Open bundle by using notch on back of package.
- Bathe with CHG once daily for entire ICU stay.
- Use a clean CHG cloth for each area of the body to reduce the chance of spreading germs from one area to another.
- Do not use above jawline.
- Do not not rinse off.
Use Prior Routine for Face, Scalp, and Hair
- Wash face and head first before starting with CHG.
- Use shampoo cap or directly use shampoo sparingly, avoid contact with rest of the body, as it may deactivate CHG.
- Cleanse face with regular washcloth.
- Do NOT use 2% CHG cloths near eyes or ears.
CHG Bathing Process—Using All Cloths
- Use all six cloths in the following order:
- Cloth 1: Neck, shoulders, and chest.
- Cloth 2: Both arms, both hands, web spaces, and axilla.
- Cloth 3: Abdomen and then groin/perineum.
- Cloth 4: Right leg, right foot, and web spaces.
- Cloth 5: Left leg, left foot, and web spaces.
- Cloth 6: Back of neck, back, and then buttocks.
- After application to each body site, be sure to clean tubing from Foleys, drains, G-tube/J-tubes, rectal tubes, chest tubes within 6 inches of the patient.
- Use additional cloths if needed for incontinence or for obese patients.
CHG Bathing Process—Key Points
- Firmly massage skin with CHG cloth.
- Skin may feel sticky for a few minutes.
- Clean neck well even if it is not visibly soiled.
- The neck:
- Commonly accumulates debris and moisture.
- Is a high-risk area for contaminating lines.
- CHG replaces routine bathing:
- Do NOT bathe with soap and water while using CHG.
- Exception: hair and face washed per previous routine.
- Avoid contact of shampoo and facial soap with body.
- Shampoo and many soaps will inactivate CHG.
- Use CHG cloths after incontinence clean up.
- Do NOT rinse, wipe off, or dry with another cloth. Let air dry.
- CHG cloths have built-in moisturizers. Skin may feel sticky for a few minutes.
- If additional moisturizer is needed, use only CHG-compatible products.
- Certain lotions will inactivate CHG, ensure to check with manufacturer for compatibility.
- Dispose of leftover cloths.
- Do NOT save, reheat, or reuse.
CHG Bathing Process—Bacteria Colonization on Skin
Stool spreads:
- Cleansing of Perineum/Vagina:
- Critical area for cleaning.
- CHG is safe to use on the perineum and external mucosa.
- Use CHG cloths to remove bacteria and clean area.
CHG Bathing Process—Cleaning Up
Dispose of each washcloth in the trash.
Do NOT flush washcloths in the toilet.
Protocol Training, Part 3: Top 10 Special Circumstances
#1: Nasal Devices
- Nasal prongs.
- Temporarily remove nasal prongs from nostrils.
- Apply mupirocin per protocol, including massage.
- Replace prongs.
- Endotracheal tube/NG tube.
- Apply mupirocin around tube.
- Gently massage nostrils for 60 seconds.
#2: Nasal Trauma
- Do NOT use mupirocin if nostril(s) are packed.
- If only one nostril is affected, apply mupirocin to other nostril.
#3: Central Line Care
- CHG cloth is normally used for catheter line skin prep.
- Bathe with CHG liberally around and over dressing.
- Use CHG cloth on semipermeable dressing only.
- Do NOT use CHG over gauze.
- Clean skin folds well (neck, groin).
- Clean tube (up to 6 inches) last and discard cloth.
- This applies to all line locations.
#4: Other Devices
- Drains, G tubes, rectal tubes, chest tubes, EKG leads, and Foley catheters.
- Clean tubing itself with CHG cloths.
- Clean up to 6 in. of drains/tubing including point of connection.
- If dressing is to be changed, clean entire area well with CHG and allow to dry before replacing dressing.
- If dressing is in place, clean tube and skin up to dressing.
- CHG will not harm occlusive dressing or EKG leads.
- Be careful to avoid deep surgical wounds.
#5: Incontinence
- Remove urine/stool with usual chux/cloths and water.
- Do NOT use soap.
- Cleanse with CHG and allow to air dry (about a minute).
- Use as many CHG cloths as necessary.
- Apply CHG-compatible barrier product over affected area, as needed.
- During the day:
- If additional barrier protection is needed during day, it is okay to use another CHG-compatible barrier product.
- If additional bathing is required throughout the day, clean with CHG cloths, then reapply CHG-compatible barrier product, as needed.
#6: Decubitus Ulcers
- Stage 1 or 2 ulcers:
- If dressing is to be changed, clean area well with CHG, allow to dry.
- If dressing is to be left intact, cleanse over dressing.
- Stage 3 or 4 ulcers:
- Bathe with CHG around dressing/wound.
#7: Friable Skin/Rash
- CHG is safe to use on superficial wounds, abrasions, and rashes.
- Using CHG, gently massage.
- CHG cloths have built-in moisturizers.
- If more moisturizer is needed, use only CHG-compatible products.
#8: Surgical Wounds
- If there is no dressing or dressing is changed, bathe with CHG up to healed or superficial wound.
- If dressing is to be left intact, bathe with CHG around dressing.
- CHG will not harm occlusive dressing (e.g., wound vacs).
- Do NOT use on large or deep wounds.
- Do NOT rinse or wipe dry.
#9: Obese Patients
- If one set of six cloths is not sufficient, use more.
- Make sure to clean between all skin folds.
- Discard any unused cloths.
#10: Burns
- 1st and 2nd degree:
- If dressing is to be changed, clean area well with CHG, allow to dry.
- If dressing is to be left intact, clean around dressing.
- Do NOT use on 3rd and 4th degree burns.
Universal ICU Decolonization
Just in Time Training
- STOP all admission MRSA screens unless screening is required by law or surgical protocol.
- Continue to place patients known to be MRSA-positive in contact isolation.
- Decolonization Protocol:
- Mupirocin ointment twice a day for 5 days only.
- Chlorhexidine (CHG) bathing cloths for ALL bathing needs for entire ICU stay.
- Decolonization stops when patient is discharged or transferred out of the ICU.
- If readmitted or transferred to a participating ICU, protocol begins anew.
- How to Bathe:
- You should be assigned an RN trained on the universal decolonization protocol for bathing to oversee this process (buddy system).
- A CHG bathing wall poster is posted in each ICU room (see image below).
- Only use CHG cloths below the jawline.
- Let air dry. Do NOT wipe or rinse off.
- Do NOT flush cloths. Discard in trash.
- Do NOT use soap (can inactivate CHG).
- For incontinence, clean debris with chux (water if needed), cleanse with CHG cloth, and then use CHG-compatible barrier product.
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