The nurse is caring for a client with Clostridium difficile colitis. Which of the following infection control measures by the nurse are appropriate? Select all that apply. A)Applies sterile gloves before performing client care B)Ensures surgical masks are worn by staff in the client's room C)Requests that the client be assigned to a single-client room D)Uses alcohol-based sanitizers for hand hygiene E)Wears a single-use, disposable gown during client care

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11ecbb05_cb48_f718_b433_9be19dd11216_MD0009_00 Clostridium difficile is a highly infectious bacteria causing severe colitis in infected clients. When caring for a client with C difficile, it is critical that the nurse implement contact isolation precautions to prevent transmission of microorganisms between clients, including: Placing the client in a single-client room, if possible, or in a cohort with other clients infected with C difficile (Option C) Wearing a single-use, disposable gown and clean gloves during all client care and discarding the equipment before leaving the room (Option E) Performing hand hygiene before and immediately after client care with soap and water Using dedicated medical equipment (eg, stethoscope, blood pressure cuff) that is not shared between clients and always remains in the client's room (Option A) Clean, rather than sterile, gloves are required during care of a client with C difficile to prevent transmission of infection to other individuals. (Option B) Surgical masks are required when caring for a client prescribed droplet isolation precautions but are needed only in clients with contact isolation precautions if performing activities with the possibility of body fluid splashing (eg, suctioning, wound care). (Option D) When caring for clients with C difficile, it is critical to perform hand hygiene with soap and water, rather than alcohol-based sanitizers. Alcohol-based sanitizers are unable to effectively kill spore-forming bacteria (eg, C difficile, anthrax). Educational objective: Clostridium difficile is a highly infectious bacteria requiring contact isolation precautions, including a single-client room assignment if available, disposable gowns and clean gloves, and hand hygiene with soap and water. Surgical masks are not necessary unless performing client care with the possibility of body fluid splashing.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Client with Clostridium Difficile