Question

The client with Clostridium difficile is admitted to the unit. To prevent the transmission of Clostridium difficile to the immune-suppressed client, the nurse should use: A. Airborne precautions B. Droplet precautions C. Sputum precautions D. Contact precautions

Short answer

Answer: Contact precautions.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Clostridium difficile

Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) is a type of bacteria that cause severe diarrhea and other serious intestinal conditions. It can spread from person to person in healthcare settings through the consumption of contaminated food or surfaces.

Evaluate Airborne precautions

Airborne precautions are used when a patient has an infection that can be transmitted through the air. This includes diseases such as tuberculosis, measles, and chickenpox. Since C. difficile is not primarily airborne, these precautions would not be the most effective choice.

Evaluate Droplet precautions

Droplet precautions are used for patients who have infections that can be spread through respiratory droplets. These include influenza, pertussis, and mumps. C. difficile is not primarily spread through respiratory droplets, so droplet precautions would not be the most effective choice.

Evaluate Sputum precautions

Sputum precautions are used for patients who have infections that can be spread through sputum or mucus from the respiratory system. This would include pneumonia and some types of bronchitis. Since C. difficile primarily affects the gastrointestinal system and not the respiratory system, sputum precautions would not be the most effective choice.

Evaluate Contact precautions

Contact precautions are used for patients who have infections that can be spread through direct or indirect contact with the patient or with contaminated surfaces. This includes diseases such as MRSA, VRE, and C. difficile. Since C. difficile can spread through the consumption of contaminated food or surfaces, contact precautions are the most appropriate choice.

Select the appropriate precaution

Based on our evaluation of the different types of precautions, we can conclude that the correct precautionary measure to prevent the transmission of Clostridium difficile to the immune-suppressed client is: D. Contact precautions

Key concepts

Contact Precautions

Contact precautions are essential infection control measures designed to stop the spread of organisms that can be transmitted through direct or indirect contact with the patient or the patient's environment.

The primary step in implementing contact precautions involves wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves and gowns, when entering the room of a patient known or suspected to have a transmissible infection such as Clostridium difficile. This type of bacteria is particularly notorious for spreading via surfaces like bed rails and bathroom fixtures which can be contaminated by spores that survive for long periods.

In addition to PPE, contact precautions include other practices, such as:

• Ensuring healthcare workers and visitors perform proper hand hygiene before and after encountering the patient.
• Using dedicated medical equipment for the patient.
• Minimizing movement of the patient outside the room to essential purposes only.
• Properly cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and equipment regularly.

Understanding and correctly implementing contact precautions is vital for nursing students preparing for clinical practice and the NCLEX-PN exam.

Infection Control in Healthcare

Infection control in healthcare facilities is a set of protocols and procedures designed to prevent the spread of infectious agents among patients, healthcare workers, and visitors.

The core components of a comprehensive infection control program include hand hygiene, use of PPE, sterilization and disinfection of instruments and surfaces, safe injection practices, and waste disposal. Healthcare workers must be vigilant about these practices, as they are the frontline defense against healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).

Three levels of precautions are followed in infection control: standard precautions (applied for care of all patients), transmission-based precautions (including contact, droplet, and airborne precautions), and additional precautions for particularly dangerous or highly infectious diseases.

Education on infection control is a fundamental part of healthcare training and works in tandem with policies and technologies, like antimicrobial surfaces and automated monitoring systems, to create a safe environment for both patients and healthcare providers.

NCLEX-PN Exam Preparation

The National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) is a standard examination for licensing practical nurses. Preparing for the NCLEX-PN is an exhaustive process that demands a comprehensive understanding of diverse concepts, including infection control measures such as contact precautions.

Key strategies for effective NCLEX-PN preparation include:

• Reviewing core content areas such as pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing, and maternal-child health.
• Understanding the format of the exam and the types of questions asked.
• Practicing with NCLEX-style questions to become familiar with critical thinking and application-type questions.
• Using study guides and attending review courses that focus on these topics.

Time management, anxiety reduction techniques, and a consistent study plan are also integral to the preparation process. Mastery of content and confidence in test-taking skills will help ensure success on the NCLEX-PN exam.