A nurse is preparing to administer the first dose of cefazolin via intermittent IV infusion to a client.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

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.

The correct answer is choice B: Wear a surgical mask when within 0.9 m (3 feet) of the client.

Choice A rationale:

Fresh flowers are generally discouraged in hospital settings for clients with compromised immune systems due to the risk of infection from soil or water, which can harbor harmful microorganisms. However, this is not specifically related to rubella, which is an airborne virus.

Choice B rationale:

Rubella is transmitted through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Wearing a surgical mask when close to the client can help prevent the spread of the virus. This is especially important to protect individuals who are pregnant or may become pregnant, as rubella can cause serious birth defects.

Choice C rationale:

Negative-airflow pressure rooms are used for clients with airborne infections, such as tuberculosis. While rubella is also airborne, the current guidelines do not require a negative pressure room for its management.

Choice D rationale:

While limiting visitors can help control the spread of infection, it is not the primary action to take for a client with rubella. The focus should be on preventing the spread through droplet transmission, which is addressed by wearing a mask and practicing good hand hygiene.