A nurse is caring for a 2-year-old child who has Clostridium difficile.

Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Assessing the client's suicidal intent and the presence of a specific plan for self-harm is crucial in determining the level of immediate risk and the need for intervention. This question directly addresses the client's current state and potential danger.

While all the questions are important in assessing the client's situation, determining the presence of a plan for self-harm takes precedence as it helps evaluate the level of imminent danger and the need for immediate intervention.

The other questions are also important but can be addressed after ensuring the client's safety and appropriate intervention based on the information gathered regarding the plan for self-harm. These questions can provide additional information to further assess the client's support system, history, and current stressors, which can contribute to understanding the context and potential risk factors for the client.

Remember, if the client expresses an immediate plan and intent for self-harm, it is essential to take appropriate steps to ensure their safety, such as involving the appropriate mental health professionals, implementing a safety plan, and providing constant supervision as needed.

Explanation

C. Initiate contact precautions

Clostridium difficile is a bacterium that causes diarrhea and can be easily transmitted from person to person. Contact precautions are necessary to prevent the spread of the infection. This includes wearing gloves and a gown when providing direct care to the child, ensuring proper hand hygiene, and implementing proper disinfection protocols for the environment.

The other options are not necessary or specific to the care of a child with Clostridium difficile:

Using an N95 respirator in (option A) is not necessary for the care of a child with Clostridium difficile. Respirators are typically used for airborne precautions, which are not indicated for this specific infection.

Instructing the parents to avoid bringing fresh flowers into the room in (option)is not specific to the care of a child with Clostridium difficile. While it is generally recommended to minimize potential sources of contamination in healthcare settings, this particular instruction is not specific to this infection.

Placing the child in a room with a HEPA filtration system in (option D) is not necessary for the care of a child with Clostridium difficile. HEPA filtration systems are typically used for airborne precautions, which are not indicated for this specific infection.