Questions: The family members of an older adult client are angered that the client has been colonized with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus during a stay in the hospital. The nurse should explain what characteristic of colonization to the members of the family? The bacteria are causing an infection, but the infection is not spreading The bacteria are present but are not causing infection. The bacteria are spreading within a clearly defined body region. The bacteria are causing tissue injury at the site of colonization.

The answer is the second one: The bacteria are present but are not causing infection.

Explanation for each option:

1. The bacteria are causing an infection, but the infection is not spreading: This is incorrect because colonization means the bacteria are present but not necessarily causing an infection. If an infection were present, it would imply that the bacteria are causing harm or symptoms, which is not the case in colonization.

2. The bacteria are present but are not causing infection: This is correct. Colonization refers to the presence of bacteria on or in the body without causing disease or symptoms. The bacteria can be present without leading to an active infection.

3. The bacteria are spreading within a clearly defined body region: This is incorrect because colonization does not imply that the bacteria are spreading. It simply means that the bacteria are present in a specific area without causing an infection.

4. The bacteria are causing tissue injury at the site of colonization: This is incorrect because colonization means the bacteria are present without causing any tissue injury or symptoms. If tissue injury were occurring, it would be considered an infection rather than colonization.

Summary: The nurse should explain to the family members that colonization means the bacteria are present but are not causing an infection. This helps clarify that the client is not currently suffering from an active infection due to the bacteria.