Author Question: The nurse is caring for a patient who has cultured positive for Clostridium difficile. Which action ... (Read 53 times)

bcretired · **on:** Jul 22, 2018

The nurse is caring for a patient who has cultured positive for Clostridium difficile. Which action will the nurse take next?

a. Instruct assistive personnel to use soap and water rather than sanitizer.
b. Wear an N95 respirator when entering the patient room.
c. Place the patient on droplet precautions.
d. Teach the patient cough etiquette.

Question 2

The surgical mask the perioperative nurse is wearing becomes moist. Which action will the perioperative nurse take next?

a. Apply a new mask.
b. Reapply the mask after it air-dries.
c. Change the mask when relieved by next shift.
d. Do not change the mask if the nurse is comfortable.

amy.lauersdorf90 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 22, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Clostridium difficile is a spore-forming organism that can be transmitted through direct and indirect patient contact. Because Clostridium difficile is a spore-forming organism, hand sanitizer is not effective in preventing its transmission. Hands must be washed with soap and water to prevent transmission. This organism is not transmitted via the droplet route; therefore, droplet precautions are not needed. An N95 respirator is used primarily for patients with airborne illness, especially tuberculosis. While all patients should be taught cough etiquette, this action is not specifically related to the patient having Clostridium difficile.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
After the mask is worn for several hours, it can become moist. The mask should be changed as soon as possible because moisture does not provide a barrier to microorganisms and is ineffective. Waiting to change the mask, air-drying it, or wearing it because it is comfortable does not support the principles of infection control.