Final answer:
The nurse knows that contamination of objects with stool is a common way that Clostridium difficile is transmitted, leading to hospital acquired infections. Strict infection control practices are crucial in preventing the spread of this bacteria.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse is aware that a common mode of transmission of Clostridium difficile is through contamination of objects with stool. This bacterium is a significant concern in health-care settings because it represents an important cause of hospital acquired infection. C. difficile can be transmitted when infected individuals touch objects which are then touched by others or through the use of medical equipment that has not been properly sterilized. This gram-positive rod takes advantage of disrupted normal microbiota, often due to antibiotic use, allowing it to overgrow and cause infections.
Effective infection control protocols in hospitals emphasize the importance of handwashing by health-care personnel, the use of personal protective equipment, and proper sterilization techniques for all medical tools and equipment. Personnel handling potentially contaminated materials must adhere to strict guidelines to prevent the spread of infections like those caused by C. difficile.