Gastrointestinal NCLEX Related

Review Gastrointestinal NCLEX related questions and content

The client has diarrhea that has been cultured positive for Clostridium difficile (C. diff). In order to prevent the spread of infection, the nurse should perform which intervention?

  • A. Wear an isolation gown, gloves, and mask when providing care.
  • B. Perform vigorous hand hygiene using only soap and water.
  • C. Place the client in a private room with negative pressure airflow.
  • D. Instruct visitors to use the alcohol-based hand wash for self-protection.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A. The nurse does not need to wear a mask when caring for the client; the bacterium is transmitted through direct contact. B. Hand washing with soap and water is performed instead of using alcohol—based hand cleaners; alcohol-based cleaners lack sporicidal activity. Even vigorous scrubbing with soap and water does not kill all of the spores. C. The client should be in a private room but does not need a negative pressure room. Negative pressure rooms are used with airborne diseases. D. The spores of C. diff can survive on inanimate objects such as tables and bedrails. For self-protection, visitors should be instructed to wash vigorously with soap and water and not to use the alcohol-based hand wash.