A licensed practical nurse is preparing to provide care for a client who is on contact precautions due to an active Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection. Which of the following actions is the most appropriate for the nurse to take?
- Performing hand hygiene using soap and water after removing the isolation gown and gloves inside the client's room.Answer
- BRemoving the contaminated gown and gloves in the unit hallway after exiting the room to prevent recontamination.
- CAccepting the assignment to create the client's initial isolation care plan upon admission to the unit.
- DPosting a sign on the client's door that explicitly states the infectious diagnosis to alert all visitors and staff.
Answer
Performing hand hygiene using soap and water after removing the isolation gown and gloves inside the client's room.
For a client with a Clostridioides difficile infection, strict contact precautions are required. C. diff spores are resistant to alcohol-based hand sanitizers, making handwashing with soap and water mandatory. Furthermore, all personal protective equipment (PPE) must be removed inside the client's room before exiting to prevent spreading the pathogen to the clean hospital environment.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Standard and Transmission-Based Precautions