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?

The correct answer is choice c. Swelling of the face.

Choice A rationale:

Urinary frequency is a common symptom during pregnancy, especially in the first and third trimesters, due to hormonal changes and the growing uterus pressing on the bladder. It is generally not a cause for concern unless accompanied by other symptoms like pain or burning during urination, which could indicate a urinary tract infection.

Choice B rationale:

Bleeding gums are also common during pregnancy due to hormonal changes that increase blood flow to the gums, making them more sensitive and prone to bleeding. This condition, known as pregnancy gingivitis, is usually not serious but should be managed with good oral hygiene.

Choice C rationale:

Swelling of the face can be a sign of preeclampsia, a serious condition characterized by high blood pressure and damage to other organs, often the kidneys. Preeclampsia typically occurs after 20 weeks of gestation but can develop earlier. It requires immediate medical attention to prevent complications for both the mother and the baby.

Choice D rationale:

Faintness upon rising, or orthostatic hypotension, is relatively common during pregnancy due to changes in blood circulation. It can usually be managed by rising slowly from a sitting or lying position. However, if fainting is frequent or severe, it should be discussed with a healthcare provider to rule out other underlying conditions.

Choice A rationale:

Identifying possible precipitating factors related to the infections is the first step in addressing the issue of increased catheter infections. Understanding the potential causes, such as poor catheter insertion techniques, inadequate hygiene practices, or contaminated equipment, can help the nurse pinpoint the areas that need improvement. By identifying these factors, the nurse can implement targeted interventions to prevent future infections.

Choice B rationale:

Meeting with providers to discuss measures to decrease infections is a valid step, but it should come after identifying the specific factors contributing to the infections. Without a clear understanding of the root causes, the discussion with providers may lack focus and may not lead to effective solutions.

Choice C rationale:

Revising the current policy for catheter care can be considered after identifying the precipitating factors. Policy revision should be based on evidence-based practices and a thorough understanding of the issues contributing to the infections. Simply revising the policy without addressing the underlying causes may not lead to significant improvements.

Choice D rationale:

Scheduling nursing staff training for infection control procedures is an important step in preventing infections, but it should also follow the identification of specific issues related to the catheter infections. Training programs can be tailored to address the identified problems and provide targeted education to the staff members involved.