VRSA refers to a strain of the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus that has developed resistance to which of the following antibiotics?

Appeared in: Bihar NHM CHO-2025

Explanation

The acronym VRSA stands for Vancomycin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
This indicates a specific strain of the S. aureus bacterium that has developed resistance to the glycopeptide antibiotic, vancomycin.
Vancomycin is a critical, powerful antibiotic often used to treat serious infections, including those caused by Methicillin-Resistant S. aureus (MRSA).
The emergence of VRSA signifies a high level of antibiotic resistance, limiting treatment options for severe infections.

Option A: Voriconazole is an azole antifungal medication used for serious fungal infections, not bacterial infections.
Option C: Valacyclovir is an antiviral drug used to treat infections caused by the herpes virus family.
Option D: Valbenazine is a vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) inhibitor used to treat tardive dyskinesia, a neurological movement disorder. It is not an antimicrobial agent.

Visual 1: Infographic: A flowchart showing the progression of antibiotic resistance from susceptible S. aureus -> MRSA -> VISA -> VRSA, highlighting the antibiotics that become ineffective at each stage.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Definition and implications of Vancomycin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
The identification of a VRSA infection in a patient necessitates immediate implementation of strict infection control protocols, including contact precautions and patient isolation, to prevent transmission within healthcare settings.
The existence of VRSA underscores the critical importance of antibiotic stewardship programs in hospitals to prevent the overuse of powerful antibiotics like vancomycin, thereby slowing the development of resistance.
What if? If the infection was caused by MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant S. aureus) instead of VRSA, vancomycin would be a primary drug of choice, as MRSA is resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics but typically remains susceptible to vancomycin.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question, which is to define the acronym 'VRSA'.
Break down the acronym based on medical terminology: 'V' likely stands for an antibiotic, 'R' for resistant, 'S' for Staphylococcus, and 'A' for aureus.
Scan the options to find an antibiotic that starts with 'V'.
Vancomycin is a well-known antibiotic, making 'Vancomycin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus' the most logical expansion of the acronym.
Confirm this by eliminating the other options, recognizing that they are different classes of drugs (antifungal, antiviral) or used for non-infectious conditions.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Definition and implications of Vancomycin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA)
Stem keywords: VRSA, Staphylococcus aureus, resistance, antibiotics
Lead-in keywords: refers to

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Practise the full Bihar NHM CHO-2025

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.