The nurse is caring for a client who develops Clostridium difficile colitis after multiple days of antibiotic therapy. Which infection control measures are appropriate to implement? Select all that apply. A)Disinfect surfaces with diluted bleach solution B)Hand hygiene with alcohol-based hand rub C)Wear a face mask D)Wear a protective gown E)Wear nonsterile gloves

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

C difficile poses a unique hazard in health care settings. This infection of the colon may develop/spread through contact with the organism or after prolonged antibiotic therapy alters normal bowel flora, allowing for C difficile overgrowth. Clients with C difficile infection should be placed on strict contact precautions in private rooms. These precautions require staff to wear protective gowns and gloves when entering the client's room (Options D and E). Hand hygiene using soap and water is the only effective method for removing C difficile spores (Option B). In addition, alcohol is not an effective agent for killing C difficile spores; therefore, a diluted bleach solution must be used to disinfect contaminated equipment and surfaces (Option A). (Option C) Contact precautions require the caregiver to wear a gown and gloves. A face mask must be worn as personal protective equipment if an organism is spread via droplets. However, it is not required to prevent the spread of a contact-transmissible infection. The nurse should not wear a mask solely to avoid the unpleasant odor associated with C difficile diarrhea as this may be offensive and embarrassing to the client. Educational objective: C difficile infection requires strict contact precautions, including wearing a gown and gloves at all times. Alcohol cannot kill C difficile spores, so caregivers must use soap and water in place of alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Contaminated surfaces and equipment should be disinfected using a diluted bleach solution.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Client Who Develops Clostridium