What is a primary intervention for a patient newly diagnosed with vancomycin resistant enterococcus?

The primary intervention for a patient newly diagnosed with vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE) is to implement contact precautions. This is crucial because VRE can be transmitted through direct or indirect contact with contaminated surfaces or equipment, or through person-to-person contact. Contact precautions involve the use of gloves and gowns when interacting with the patient or handling their belongings, helping to minimize the risk of spreading the bacteria to other patients or healthcare staff.

In this context, standard precautions would not be sufficient alone, as they do not specifically address the heightened risk associated with resistant organisms like VRE. Droplet precautions, on the other hand, are appropriate for infections that spread via respiratory droplets, which is not the case with VRE. Aerosol precautions are reserved for illnesses that can be transmitted through airborne particles, further distinguishing them from the necessary measures for VRE. Thus, contact precautions are the most effective strategy for preventing the spread of vancomycin-resistant enterococcus within a healthcare setting.