An individual with a severe Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection is admitted to an acute care medical unit. The practical nurse is assigned to participate in the client's care. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement? Select all that apply.
- Put on a fluid-resistant gown and then clean gloves before entering the client's room.Answer
- Keep dedicated reusable medical equipment, such as a stethoscope, inside the client's room.Answer
- CRemove the contaminated gown in the unit hallway immediately after exiting the client's room.
- Perform hand hygiene using soap and water after removing personal protective equipment.Answer
- EAssign the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to evaluate the client's skin turgor and hydration status.
- FRemove the fluid-resistant gown first, followed by the face mask, and finally the soiled gloves.
Answer
The correct interventions are to don a gown and gloves before entering the room, leave dedicated medical equipment inside the room, and wash hands with soap and water after removing protective equipment.
Appropriate contact precautions for C. diff involve donning a gown and gloves before entry, designating reusable equipment to remain in the room, and washing hands with soap and water because the spores are resistant to alcohol-based sanitizers. These actions successfully contain the pathogen and protect both the nurse and other clients.
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Key Concept
Contact Precautions and Scope of Practice for Clostridioides difficile