Question

What education about performing hand hygiene should you give to the family member of your patient with C. diff (Clostridioides difficile)?

1) Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
2) Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
3) Avoid touching the face with unwashed hands
4) Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow

Answer 1

Family members of a patient with C. diff should be advised to wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, as alcohol-based sanitizers are not effective against C. diff spores.

Step-by-step explanation:

When instructing the family member of a patient with C. diff (Clostridioides difficile) on hand hygiene, it is essential to emphasize the importance of thorough handwashing. The correct education would be to wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. This method is crucial because C. diff spores are not killed by alcohol-based hand sanitizers, therefore, handwashing with soap and water becomes the preferred option to remove these spores. Although using hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol can be effective against some pathogens, it is not adequate for C. diff. Family members should also be advised to avoid touching their faces with unwashed hands and to cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow to prevent the spread of infection.