A client is admitted to the inpatient medical unit with severe abdominal cramping and frequent watery stools. Laboratory results confirm an active Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection. Which of the following infection control measures should the nurse implement? Select all that apply.
- Perform hand hygiene using soap and water after providing client care.Answer
- Don a protective gown and clean gloves prior to entering the client's room.Answer
- Ensure dedicated medical equipment, such as a stethoscope and blood pressure cuff, remains in the client's room.Answer
- DMaintain the client in a negative-pressure isolation room with the door closed at all times.
- EAssign the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to assess the client's perineal skin for breakdown.
- FProvide an N95 particulate respirator for the client to wear when being transported outside the room.
Answer
The correct measures include performing hand hygiene with soap and water, donning a gown and gloves before entering the room, and using dedicated medical equipment.
Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) requires strict contact precautions because it is easily spread through direct contact with the client or contaminated surfaces. These precautions mandate wearing a gown and gloves upon entering the room and dedicating medical equipment to the client to prevent cross-contamination. Uniquely, because C. diff forms highly resilient spores that are unaffected by alcohol-based hand rubs, healthcare personnel must rigorously perform hand hygiene using soap and water to mechanically wash the spores away.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Contact Precautions for Clostridioides difficile