Question

You are caring for a resident who has a diagnosis of Clostridium difficile. You understand

a. using an alcohol based hand sanitizer is appropriate to use after caring for the resident
b. the resident will have his own dedicated equipment such as blood pressure cuffs
c. Clostridium difficile is a spore-forming virus found in the intestinal flora
d. Clostridium difficile is not contagious and the resident is able to participate in resident activities

Answer 1

Clostridium difficile is a gram-positive rod bacterium that causes antibiotic-associated diarrhea and is transmitted in health-care settings. Handwashing with soap and water is recommended. Patients should have their own dedicated equipment, and proper infection control measures should be followed to minimize the spread of C. difficile.

Step-by-step explanation:

Clostridium difficile is a gram-positive rod bacterium that causes antibiotic-associated diarrhea. It is a nosocomial disease that can be transmitted in health-care settings. The bacterium produces toxins that result in inflammation of the colon and can lead to pseudomembranous colitis. Handwashing with soap and water is recommended to prevent the spread of C. difficile, as alcohol-based hand sanitizers may not be effective against its spores.

Patients with C. difficile should have their own dedicated equipment. C. difficile is contagious, and infected individuals can participate in resident activities, but proper infection control measures should be followed to minimize the risk of spreading the bacterium.