A nurse is planning care for a client who has manifestations of a Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) infection. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?
Use an alcohol-based agent to perform hand hygiene when caring for the client.
Obtain a blood specimen to test for C. difficile.
Place the client on contact precautions.
Place a surgical mask on the client during transport.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are not effective against C. difficile spores; hand hygiene should be performed using soap and water to effectively remove the spores.
B. Testing for C. difficile typically involves stool samples, not blood specimens, making this option inappropriate for confirming the infection.
C. Placing the client on contact precautions is essential to prevent the spread of C. difficile, as it is highly contagious and can be transmitted via surfaces and direct contact.
D. A surgical mask is not necessary for clients with C. difficile unless they have respiratory symptoms; the primary concern is preventing contact transmission.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Using an alcohol rub when hands are visibly soiled is incorrect; hands should be washed with soap and water in such cases.
B. Rubbing all surfaces of the hands with an alcohol rub for 20 to 30 seconds is an appropriate practice for effective hand hygiene when hands are not visibly soiled, ensuring thorough coverage of all hand surfaces.
C. Gloves are not a substitute for hand hygiene; hands should be washed before putting on gloves and after removing them to prevent contamination.
D. Even if an individual does not have an infection, they can still carry pathogens on their hands that may infect others, highlighting the necessity of proper hand hygiene.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are not effective against C. difficile spores; hand hygiene should be performed using soap and water to effectively remove the spores.
B. Testing for C. difficile typically involves stool samples, not blood specimens, making this option inappropriate for confirming the infection.
C. Placing the client on contact precautions is essential to prevent the spread of C. difficile, as it is highly contagious and can be transmitted via surfaces and direct contact.
D. A surgical mask is not necessary for clients with C. difficile unless they have respiratory symptoms; the primary concern is preventing contact transmission.