Question

Which personal protective equipment (PPE) should the nurse don to enter the room of a client who is diagnosed with Clostridium difficile?

A.) gown and gloves
B.) mask and shoe covers
C.) goggles and gloves
D.) respirator mask and gown

Answer 1

A nurse should wear gown and gloves as personal protective equipment when entering the room of a patient with Clostridium difficile to adhere to infection control protocols and prevent the spread of the bacteria.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should don gown and gloves to enter the room of a client diagnosed with Clostridium difficile. This recommendation aligns with the standard precautions for contact with patients who have infections that can be transmitted by direct or indirect contact. The use of a gown prevents contamination of the healthcare worker's clothing and skin, which could potentially transmit the bacteria to other patients or environments. The gloves provide barrier protection for the hands, which are in frequent contact with surfaces and the patient. Hand hygiene is critically important and must be performed before and after removing gloves. These practices adhere to the infection control protocols to prevent the spread of C. difficile, a bacteria known to cause gastrointestinal infections with severe diarrhea.