A nurse is caring for a client who has a stool culture that is positive for Clostridium difficile.
Which of the following infection control precautions should the nurse take?
Wear a face shield prior to entering the client's room.
Place a mask on the client prior to transport.
Use an alcohol-based hand rub following client care.
Remove the protective gown while in the client's room.
The Correct Answer is D
The correct answer is Choice D, remove the protective gown while in the client’s room.
Choice A rationale: Wearing a face shield is not specifically required for Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) precautions. CDI is primarily spread through the fecal-oral route, and while a face shield could provide protection against splashes during procedures that might generate them, it is not a standard precaution for entering the room of a patient with CDI.
Choice B rationale: Placing a mask on the client during transport is not a standard precaution for CDI. While it is important to prevent the spread of infection, CDI is not transmitted through the respiratory route, so a mask for the client would not be necessary in this context.
Choice C rationale: Using an alcohol-based hand rub is generally recommended for hand hygiene. However, for CDI, alcohol-based hand rubs are not effective against C. difficile spores. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends washing hands with soap and water after caring for patients with CDI to physically remove the spores from the hands.
Choice D rationale: Removing the protective gown while still in the client’s room is the correct action to prevent the spread of contamination. Gowns should be removed before leaving the patient’s room to avoid dispersing contaminants to other areas of the healthcare facility.
Infection control for CDI involves several specific actions due to the resilience of C. difficile spores. These spores can survive on surfaces for a long time and are resistant to many common disinfectants, which is why environmental cleaning and disinfection with agents effective against C. difficile, such as bleach-based products, are crucial. Additionally, healthcare workers should use gloves and gowns when entering the rooms of patients with CDI and should ensure that these are disposed of correctly after use.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Taking antibiotics when having a virus is not a correct understanding of infection prevention. Antibiotics are ineffective against viruses and should only be used for bacterial infections under the guidance of a healthcare provider. This statement indicates a misunderstanding of infection prevention.
Choice B rationale:
Washing hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water is the recommended practice for infection prevention. Washing hands for 10 seconds may not be sufficient to remove all germs effectively. This statement does not demonstrate a proper understanding of hand hygiene.
Choice C rationale:
Cleaning a cat's litter box during pregnancy is not recommended due to the risk of contracting toxoplasmosis, a parasitic infection that can harm the fetus. Pregnant individuals should avoid handling cat litter to prevent exposure to this infection. This statement indicates a lack of awareness regarding infection prevention during pregnancy.
Choice D rationale:
Waiting 5 days after the chickenpox sores have crusted before visiting a person with chickenpox demonstrates an understanding of infection prevention. Chickenpox is highly contagious, and individuals should avoid close contact until the sores have fully healed and crusted over. This statement reflects appropriate knowledge about preventing the spread of contagious diseases during pregnancy.
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