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Difficulty: EasyStandard and Transmission-Based Precautions

A client is receiving care for a confirmed enteric infection caused by Clostridioides difficile. When exiting the client's room after providing direct care, which hand hygiene method is mandatory for the nurse to use?

  1. Washing hands vigorously with soap and waterAnswer
  2. B
    Applying a generous amount of alcohol-based hand sanitizer
  3. C
    Cleaning the hands thoroughly with an antiseptic chlorhexidine wipe
  4. D
    Removing the contaminated gloves and immediately donning a clean pair

Answer

Washing hands vigorously with soap and water
Clostridioides difficile is a spore-forming bacterium. Spores are highly resistant to the bactericidal effects of alcohol-based hand rubs. The only effective way to remove C. difficile spores from the hands is through the physical friction and rinsing provided by washing with soap and water.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the pathogen and its specific transmission characteristics.
The pathogen is Clostridioides difficile (C. diff), which is a spore-forming bacterium.
Understanding the nature of the pathogen dictates the appropriate infection control measures.
2
Determine the required precautions for this specific pathogen.
C. difficile requires contact/enteric precautions, which strictly mandates soap and water for hand hygiene.
Alcohol-based sanitizers do not kill spores; mechanical friction with soap and water physically removes them from the skin.

Key Concept

Standard and Transmission-Based Precautions for Spore-Forming Organisms
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Topics

Standard and Transmission-Based Precautions

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