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 D
Explanation
A. Kussmaul respirations are characterized by deep, rapid breathing typically associated with metabolic acidosis, not alternating periods of hyperventilation and apnea.
B. Apneustic respirations involve prolonged inspiration and shorter expiration phases, usually seen in brain injuries, but do not reflect alternating hyperventilation and apnea.
C. Stridor is a high-pitched wheezing sound indicative of upper airway obstruction, which does not describe the breathing pattern in this scenario.
D. Cheyne-Stokes respirations are defined by alternating periods of deep, rapid breathing (hyperventilation) followed by periods of no breathing (apnea), making this the correct choice for the client’s described pattern.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Applying the pulse oximeter to a finger may not be ideal due to edema, which can affect the accuracy of the reading.
B. Using a skin fold is not a typical location for pulse oximetry and may not provide accurate readings.
C. Applying the probe to a toe may be less effective if the toenails are thickened, potentially affecting blood flow to that area and the accuracy of the reading.
D. The earlobe is a suitable alternative for measuring oxygen saturation, particularly in cases where peripheral sites (like fingers or toes) are compromised.