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Difficulty: EasyStandard and Transmission-Based Precautions

A practical nurse has just finished changing the soiled bed linens for a client with an active *Clostridioides difficile* infection. After removing the required personal protective equipment (PPE), which of the following is the required method for the nurse to perform hand hygiene?

  1. A
    Apply an alcohol-based hand rub until the skin is completely dry.
  2. Cleanse the hands at a sink using soap and water.Answer
  3. C
    Wipe the hands thoroughly with a chlorhexidine-impregnated towelette.
  4. D
    Rinse the hands under hot running water and dry them with a sterile towel.

Answer

The correct action is to cleanse the hands at a sink using soap and water.
The correct method for hand hygiene after caring for a client with a *Clostridioides difficile* (*C. diff*) infection is to wash hands with soap and water. *C. diff* produces spores that are highly resistant to the bactericidal effects of alcohol-based hand sanitizers. The physical friction of washing with soap and water is necessary to mechanically remove the spores from the hands and wash them down the sink, effectively preventing transmission.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the specific pathogen involved in the clinical scenario.
The client has an active Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection.
Different pathogens require specific infection control measures based on how they spread and their resistance to cleaning agents.
2
Recall the characteristics of the identified pathogen.
C. diff produces spores that are highly resistant to the bactericidal effects of alcohol and many other common disinfectants.
Understanding the nature of the pathogen determines which hand hygiene method will actually be effective.
3
Select the appropriate hand hygiene method based on the pathogen's characteristics.
Mechanical friction and rinsing with soap and water are required to physically wash the spores down the drain.
Because alcohol does not kill the spores, the only safe and effective way to remove them from the skin is through thorough handwashing with soap and water.

Key Concept

Hand Hygiene for Spore-Forming Pathogens
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Topics

Standard and Transmission-Based Precautions

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