Final answer:
A PCT caring for a patient with Clostridium difficile should follow Contact precautions, which include wearing gloves and gowns and practicing strict handwashing with soap and water. To control microbes and prevent infection on living tissues, antiseptics should be used.
Step-by-step explanation:
A Patient Care Technician (PCT) providing general hygiene for a patient with Clostridium difficile should follow Contact precautions. This is because C. difficile can be transmitted through contaminated surfaces and direct contact with patients. Therefore, wearing gloves and gowns, and following strict hand hygiene practices with soap and water are crucial in preventing the spread of the infection. Since C. difficile spores are resistant to alcohol-based hand sanitizers, thorough handwashing with soap and water is essential. The hospital settings should also ensure careful disinfection of all items coming into contact with the patient.
For the second question, an antiseptic is suitable for use on tissues for microbial control to prevent infection. Antiseptics are applied to living tissue to destroy or inhibit the growth of microorganisms, while disinfectants are intended for non-living surfaces.