A nurse is teaching a class about the transition from novice to expert nurse.
The nurse should include that a nurse who is a preceptor to new staff members is at which of the following stages?

 

The correct answers are a. Wear a protective gown while caring for the client, b. Place the client in a private room, and e. Place a mask on the client when they leave their room.

Choice A rationale: Clostridium difficile (C. diff) is primarily spread through contact with feces, surfaces, or objects contaminated with the bacteria. Healthcare workers can inadvertently spread the bacteria to other patients if proper contact precautions are not followed. Wearing a protective gown while caring for a client with C. diff helps to prevent the spread of bacteria and maintain proper infection control measures.

Choice B rationale: Isolation precautions are recommended for clients with C. diff to prevent the spread of the bacteria to other patients. Placing the client in a private room can help to achieve isolation and minimize the risk of cross-transmission.

Choice C rationale (Incorrect choice): While wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) is crucial when caring for clients with infectious diseases, an N-95 respirator is not necessary for C. diff. The bacteria is not airborne, and its transmission primarily occurs through contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. Standard surgical masks are sufficient for healthcare workers when caring for clients with C. diff, as they can protect against droplet transmission.

Choice D rationale (Incorrect choice): A negative pressure room is not required for clients with C. diff, as the bacteria is not airborne. Negative pressure rooms are typically used for patients with airborne diseases, such as tuberculosis, to prevent the spread of infectious particles through the air.

Choice E rationale: If a client with C. diff needs to leave their room for any reason, placing a mask on the client can help minimize the risk of droplet transmission. This precautionary measure can reduce the potential spread of bacteria to other areas within the healthcare facility.

The correct answer is Choice B.

Choice A rationale: Advanced beginners are newly graduated nurses who rely on limited experience and follow guidelines strictly. They cannot yet mentor others effectively because they lack the necessary comprehensive knowledge and practical skills for precepting new staff members.

Choice B rationale: Proficient nurses have a deep understanding of clinical situations through experience. They can recognize patterns, predict outcomes, and provide effective mentorship as preceptors. They are skilled at guiding new staff members and improving their clinical performance.

Choice C rationale: Expert nurses possess an intuitive grasp of clinical situations and make decisions rapidly. While they are highly skilled, the role of preceptor is generally better suited to proficient nurses who are adept at breaking down complex tasks for new learners.

Choice D rationale: Competent nurses have a few years of practice and can plan and manage patient care efficiently. However, they are not yet at the stage where they can fluidly adapt to varying situations or mentor new staff as effectively as proficient nurses.