A nurse is planning to conduct a support group for adolescents who have cancer.
Which of the following actions should the nurse include during the orientation phase?

The correct answer isChoice 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.

Choice A rationale:

Checking the medical record for prior blood glucose test results is a task that can be delegated to the assistive personnel (AP). It provides relevant information for the nurse to assess the client's current condition. However, it is not the most crucial step in ensuring the safe performance of the blood glucose test.

Choice B rationale:

Asking the client if she has taken her antidiabetic medication today is important, but this task is better suited for the nurse, as it requires accurate communication with the client about their medication history and adherence. Delegating this task to the AP may lead to potential misunderstandings or errors in the information provided.

Choice C rationale:

The nurse should determine if the AP has the necessary skills and competence to perform the blood glucose test. Delegating tasks based on the competency of the staff member ensures the safety and well-being of the client. If the AP is not skilled in performing the test, the nurse should assign the task to someone else or perform the test personally.

Choice D rationale:

The nurse should not directly perform the blood glucose test if it can be safely delegated to the AP. Delegating appropriate tasks to competent staff members allows nurses to focus on more complex aspects of client care and ensures efficient use of resources within the healthcare team.