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Difficulty: MediumStandard and Transmission-Based Precautions

A client is admitted to the medical unit with severe, watery diarrhea and is subsequently diagnosed with a Clostridioides difficile infection. Which action by the practical nurse demonstrates the appropriate application of infection control protocols?

  1. Leaving a dedicated stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, and thermometer in the client's room for exclusive use.Answer
  2. B
    Putting on clean gloves before donning a fluid-resistant isolation gown prior to entering the room.
  3. C
    Removing the soiled isolation gown and gloves in the hallway corridor immediately after exiting the room.
  4. D
    Delegating the initial assessment of the client's skin turgor and hydration status to unlicensed assistive personnel.

Answer

Leaving dedicated medical equipment in the client's room for exclusive use.
The correct action is to dedicate reusable medical equipment (such as a stethoscope and blood pressure cuff) exclusively for this client. Clostridioides difficile requires contact precautions, and dedicating equipment prevents the transmission of infectious spores to other clients and clean areas of the facility.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the isolation requirements for Clostridioides difficile.
Contact precautions are required.
C. difficile is transmitted via the fecal-oral route, and its spores can heavily contaminate the patient's immediate environment.
2
Determine the appropriate equipment use for a client on contact precautions.
Reusable medical equipment should be dedicated to a single patient.
Sharing equipment between clients increases the risk of cross-contamination and spreading the infection.
3
Evaluate the other nursing actions for safety and adherence to scope of practice.
The other actions represent errors in PPE sequencing and improper delegation.
PPE must be donned and doffed in a specific order and location, and clinical assessments cannot be delegated to unlicensed personnel.

Key Concept

Contact Precautions and Dedicated Equipment
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Topics

Standard and Transmission-Based Precautions

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