A nurse is caring for a patient who has Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). What type of transmission-based precautions should the nurse implement for this patient?

Choice A reason: This statement by the nurse would be appropriate to include in the teaching, as it helps prevent the transmission of microorganisms through hand contact.

Choice B reason: This statement by the nurse would be appropriate to include in the teaching, as it helps prevent the transmission of microorganisms through personal items.

Choice C reason: This statement by the nurse would be appropriate to include in the teaching, as it helps prevent the transmission of microorganisms through respiratory droplets.

Choice D reason: This statement by the nurse would be most appropriate to include in the teaching, as it helps prevent the occurrence and spread of common infectious diseases that can cause serious complications or death. Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect oneself and others from CAIs.

Questions on Standard and transmission-based precautions

Choice A reason: This is the correct answer, as contact precautions are indicated for patients who have infections that can be spread by direct or indirect contact with the patient or their environment. CDI is caused by a bacterium that produces spores that can contaminate surfaces or objects and can be transmitted through hand contact.

Choice B reason: This is not the correct answer, as droplet precautions are indicated for patients who have infections that can be spread by large droplets that are generated by coughing, sneezing, or talking and can be transmitted to others who are within 3 feet of the patient. CDI is not spread by respiratory droplets.

Choice C reason: This is not the correct answer, as airborne precautions are indicated for patients who have infections that can be spread by small droplets that remain in the air for long periods of time and can be inhaled by others. CDI is not spread by airborne droplets.

Choice D reason: This is not the correct answer, as neutropenic precautions are indicated for patients who have low white blood cell counts and are at risk of developing infections from normal flora or environmental sources. CDI is not caused by normal flora or environmental sources, but by an overgrowth of a bacterium that is usually present in small amounts in the intestine.