A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a newly licensed nurse about chemical spills on the medical-surgical unit. The nurse should recognize that the newly licensed nurse understands the teaching by choosing which of the following resources for step-by-step directions to clean up the spill?

A. Discontinue the client's PCA:

The discontinuation of the patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) may be necessary, but assessing the client's vital signs is a priority to ensure the client's overall stability and response to the surgery.

B. Measure the client's vital signs:

This is the correct answer. Assessing vital signs is a priority postoperatively to monitor the client's physiological status, detect any signs of complications, and guide further interventions.

C. Remove the client's indwelling urinary catheter:

Removing the urinary catheter may be part of the postoperative care plan, but it is not the immediate priority. Vital sign assessment is crucial for overall patient monitoring.

D. Change the client's abdominal dressing:

Changing the abdominal dressing is an important aspect of postoperative care, but assessing vital signs takes precedence to identify any signs of distress or instability.

A. Disinfecting hands using an alcohol-based waterless antiseptic is not effective against Clostridium difficile spores. C. difficile is a bacterium that forms spores, which are resistant to alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Handwashing with soap and water is recommended for effective removal of the spores.

B. Wearing an N95 respirator is not specifically indicated for caring for clients with Clostridium difficile. The primary mode of transmission for C. difficile is fecal-oral, and standard precautions, including gloves and gowns, are usually sufficient. N95 respirators are more commonly used for airborne precautions.

C. Using diluted bleach to clean soiled equipment is the correct instruction. Clostridium difficile spores are resistant to many disinfectants, but bleach (sodium hypochlorite) is effective in killing C. difficile spores. Diluted bleach solutions are recommended for cleaning surfaces and equipment that may be contaminated with C. difficile.

D. Providing a room with negative-pressure airflow is not typically necessary for clients with Clostridium difficile. Standard precautions, including appropriate cleaning and disinfection, are generally sufficient to prevent the spread of C. difficile in healthcare settings.