A patient with vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE) should be placed on which type of precaution?

Infection control measures are crucial in preventing the spread of Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE), which is a type of bacteria that has developed resistance to the antibiotic vancomycin. The primary mode of transmission for VRE is through direct or indirect contact with contaminated surfaces or hands.

Therefore, the correct precaution for a patient with VRE is Contact Precautions. These precautions involve measures such as wearing gloves and gowns to prevent the risk of transmission when caring for the patient or handling objects in their environment. This is essential to limit the spread of the bacteria, especially in healthcare settings where many patients are at higher risk of infection.

Contact precautions are particularly important when dealing with multidrug-resistant organisms like VRE, as standard hand hygiene may not be sufficient to mitigate the risk of transmission. By strictly adhering to contact precautions, healthcare providers can effectively protect themselves and prevent the spread of VRE to other patients and staff.