C. difficile outbreak

Question

A client with confirmed C. difficile is receiving care during a facility outbreak.

Step 1

Which detail makes the outbreak precaution applicable?

1. AThe client has confirmed C. difficile during an outbreak✓ Correct

   Confirmed C. difficile during an outbreak calls for the additional soap-and-water precaution after care.

2. BThe client has a clean gown in the closet✗ Incorrect

   A clean gown does not establish whether the C. difficile outbreak precaution applies.

3. CThe client has a scheduled meal✗ Incorrect

   A scheduled meal does not establish whether the C. difficile outbreak precaution applies.

4. DThe client has a visitor arriving✗ Incorrect

   A visitor's arrival does not establish whether the C. difficile outbreak precaution applies.

Rationale. During this outbreak, the client’s infection makes the additional handwashing precaution relevant. Soap and water are used after this care to address possible spores on hands.

Step 2

The appropriate response is: The organism can leave spores on hands after care.

• Blank 1 choices: The organism can leave spores on hands after care / The client needs a different meal tray / The room number can change / The visitor has not yet arrived

Rationale. During this outbreak, the client’s infection makes the additional handwashing precaution relevant. Soap and water are used after this care to address possible spores on hands.

Step 3

Which concern should guide the nurse immediately after this care?

1. APossible spores remaining on the nurse’s hands✓ Correct

   Possible spores on the hands are relevant to the soap-and-water precaution after C. difficile care during an outbreak.

2. BThe color of the client’s gown✗ Incorrect

   Gown color does not address the handwashing precaution after C. difficile care during an outbreak.

3. CThe location of the meal cart✗ Incorrect

   The meal cart's location does not address the handwashing precaution after C. difficile care during an outbreak.

4. DThe time of the visitor’s arrival✗ Incorrect

   A visitor's arrival time does not address the handwashing precaution after C. difficile care during an outbreak.

Rationale. During this outbreak, the client’s infection makes the additional handwashing precaution relevant. Soap and water are used after this care to address possible spores on hands.

Step 4

Which hand hygiene method fits this outbreak situation?

1. AWash with soap and water✓ Correct

   Soap and water are recommended after care for known or suspected C. difficile during an outbreak.

2. BUse a dry paper towel alone✗ Incorrect

   A dry towel alone does not provide the recommended soap-and-water wash.

3. CRinse with water alone✗ Incorrect

   Water alone omits the soap used in the recommended wash.

4. DSkip hand hygiene after removing gloves✗ Incorrect

   Skipping hand hygiene omits the recommended soap-and-water wash after care.

Rationale. During this outbreak, the client’s infection makes the additional handwashing precaution relevant. Soap and water are used after this care to address possible spores on hands.

Step 5

The appropriate response is: Wash hands with soap and water.

• Blank 1 choices: Wash hands with soap and water / Wipe hands on the gown / Touch the next client’s supplies / Leave without cleaning hands

Rationale. During this outbreak, the client’s infection makes the additional handwashing precaution relevant. Soap and water are used after this care to address possible spores on hands.

Step 6

Which observation shows that the specified precaution was performed?

1. AThe nurse washes with soap and water after the care✓ Correct

   Washing with soap and water after care fulfills the additional outbreak precaution.

2. BThe nurse removes gloves and leaves immediately✗ Incorrect

   Removing gloves and leaving without washing omits the recommended handwashing.

3. CThe nurse dries unwashed hands on a towel✗ Incorrect

   Drying unwashed hands does not provide the recommended soap-and-water wash.

4. DThe nurse touches the next client’s belongings first✗ Incorrect

   Touching belongings first does not demonstrate the recommended handwashing after care.

Rationale. During this outbreak, the client’s infection makes the additional handwashing precaution relevant. Soap and water are used after this care to address possible spores on hands.

Rationale

During this outbreak, the client’s infection makes the additional handwashing precaution relevant. Soap and water are used after this care to address possible spores on hands.