Advanced Medical Life Support (AMLS)

A 62-year-old patient with a severe rash and signs of illness residing in an assisted living facility is likely to have which condition?

1. Escherichia coli

2. Meningitis

3. Clostridium difficile

4. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

The correct answer is: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

The presence of a severe rash and signs of illness in a 62-year-old patient residing in an assisted living facility points towards an infection that is more common in such environments, particularly one that is associated with skin and soft tissue issues. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is notable for causing various types of infections, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems or in those who are in close living conditions, such as assisted living facilities. MRSA is a type of bacterial infection resistant to many antibiotics, which commonly presents with skin rashes, abscesses, or cellulitis. The severity of the rash, along with the patient’s age and living situation, aligns this infection as a probable cause, highlighting the need for careful monitoring and swift medical intervention to prevent further complications. Other options, while representing significant health issues, do not align as closely with the specific combination of a rash and the context of assisted living. Escherichia coli is typically associated with gastrointestinal illness rather than rashes. Meningitis presents with more systemic neurological signs, and Clostridium difficile primarily causes diarrhea, not skin symptoms. Therefore, MRSA stands out as the most likely condition in this scenario due to its association with skin symptoms in a vulnerable