A nurse is teaching a class on ethical principles.
The nurse should include that protecting a client's safety by not causing harm refers to which of the following ethical principles?

The correct answer is Choice A, Choice B

Choice A rationale: Clostridium difficile is a spore-forming, gram-positive anaerobic bacillus that causes antibiotic-associated colitis. Transmission occurs via the fecal-oral route, primarily through contact with contaminated surfaces or hands. Protective gowns are essential during care to prevent spore transfer to clothing and subsequent environmental contamination. Spores resist alcohol-based sanitizers and persist on surfaces for months. Contact precautions, including gown use, reduce nosocomial spread. Normal white blood cell count is 4,000–11,000/mm³; elevated levels may indicate infection severity.

Choice B rationale: Isolation in a private room is critical for clients with confirmed Clostridium difficile infection due to the organism’s ability to form resilient spores that contaminate surfaces and equipment. Private rooms limit environmental exposure and reduce cross-contamination risk. C. difficile spores are resistant to routine cleaning agents and require bleach-based disinfectants. Diarrheal stool volume increases transmission risk. Normal stool frequency is 1–3 formed stools/day; 4–5 liquid stools/day indicates active infectious diarrhea requiring isolation.

Choice C rationale: N-95 respirators are designed for airborne pathogens such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, measles virus, or varicella-zoster virus. Clostridium difficile is not airborne; it transmits via contact with contaminated surfaces or hands. Spores are shed in feces and do not aerosolize under normal conditions. Therefore, N-95 respirators offer no added protection against CDI. Airborne precautions are unnecessary unless aerosol-generating procedures are performed on patients with concurrent airborne infections. Respiratory rate normal range is 12–20 breaths/min.

Choice D rationale: Negative pressure rooms are used to contain airborne pathogens by maintaining lower air pressure inside the room, preventing contaminated air from escaping. Clostridium difficile does not spread via airborne particles but through contact with contaminated surfaces and feces. Thus, negative pressure rooms are not scientifically justified for CDI. Instead, contact isolation and environmental decontamination are prioritized. Room air exchanges are irrelevant to CDI control. Normal room air pressure is neutral unless airborne precautions are indicated.

Choice E rationale: Masking the client is a droplet precaution used for pathogens like influenza virus, Neisseria meningitidis, or SARS-CoV-2. Clostridium difficile does not transmit via respiratory droplets, so placing a mask on the client during transport does not reduce transmission risk. Instead, hand hygiene and contact precautions are essential. CDI spores are not expelled via coughing or sneezing. Droplet precautions are reserved for pathogens with particle size >5 µm. Normal oxygen saturation is ≥95% on room air.

Choice A rationale:

Encouraging family members to call the client is a valuable emotional and social support, but it may not be as effective in reducing social isolation for a client at the end of life. While communication with loved ones is important, it may not fully address the client's need for personal interaction.

Choice C rationale:

Instructing the client to join an online support group can be a useful intervention to reduce social isolation, especially in cases where physical interaction is limited. However, it may not be as effective for all clients, as comfort with technology and online groups can vary. Additionally, it should be one of several strategies used to address social isolation.

Choice D rationale:

Asking the client's friends to text the client is a positive gesture, but it may not be as effective as scheduling home visits with the client. Text messages may not provide the same level of personal interaction and emotional support that physical visits can offer.

Choice B rationale:

Scheduling home visits with the client is the most effective intervention to reduce social isolation in a client at the end of life. It allows for in-person interaction, emotional support, and the opportunity to address the client's physical and emotional needs directly. Face-to-face contact can significantly improve the client's sense of connectedness and reduce feelings of isolation.