A practical nurse is planning care for a client who is newly admitted with severe pertussis and severe diarrhea caused by a Clostridioides difficile infection. Which of the following infection control measures should the nurse implement? Select all that apply.
- Don a standard surgical mask, a clean isolation gown, and gloves upon entering the client's room.Answer
- BCleanse hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer immediately after removing personal protective equipment.
- Place a standard surgical mask on the client when transport outside of the room is required.Answer
- DVerify that the client is placed in a private room with negative-pressure airflow.
- Dedicate reusable assessment equipment, such as a stethoscope and blood pressure cuff, exclusively for this client's use.Answer
- FInstruct visitors to avoid bringing fresh flowers or potted plants into the client's room.
Answer
The correct actions are to don a surgical mask, gown, and gloves upon entry; place a mask on the client during transport; and dedicate reusable medical equipment for the client's exclusive use.
The client requires both droplet precautions (for pertussis) and contact precautions (for C. difficile). Therefore, the nurse must don a surgical mask, gown, and gloves upon room entry. To prevent environmental contamination, reusable equipment must be dedicated solely to this client. If transport is necessary, placing a surgical mask on the client serves as source control to contain respiratory droplets.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Clients with multiple transmissible infections require the combined implementation of all indicated precautions (e.g., Droplet + Contact). Furthermore, special enteric precautions for C. difficile require handwashing with soap and water because spores are resistant to alcohol-based sanitizers.