Final answer:
The use of a pair of clean gloves when providing care to a client with Clostridium difficile is to prevent the spread of the infection to others and to protect healthcare workers from being contaminated. Gloves are a part of essential personal protective equipment that serves as a barrier against this highly contagious bacterium.
Step-by-step explanation:
The usage of a pair of clean gloves by medical personnel when providing care for a client with Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) is a critical safety measure. C. difficile is a highly contagious bacterium that can cause severe gastrointestinal infections, leading to symptoms like diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain. It is known to produce toxins that can result in damage to the intestinal mucosa and lead to pseudomembranous colitis.
Gloves protect both the patient and healthcare workers from the transmission of these bacteria and their spores, which can be spread through contact with contaminated surfaces or material. In addition to wearing gloves, healthcare workers must practice stringent hand hygiene to further prevent the spread of this infection. Handwashing techniques involve thorough cleaning of the hands with soap and water, especially after glove removal, to reduce the risk of contaminating other surfaces or patients.
Protective gloves are an essential component of personal protective equipment (PPE) that acts as a barrier against infections. They are part of standard precautions followed in healthcare settings to maintain a safe environment and prevent healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).