Question

A nurse is performing hand hygiene after caring for a client who has Clostridium difficile. Which of the following hand hygiene methods should the nurse use?

1) Use an alcohol-based hand rub.
2) Wash hands with soap and water.
3) Skip hand hygiene in this case.
4) Wear gloves instead of hand hygiene.

Answer 1

The correct hand hygiene method after caring for a client with C. difficile is washing hands with soap and water, as alcohol-based hand rubs are ineffective against C. difficile spores.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should wash her hands with soap and water after caring for a client who has Clostridium difficile. C. difficile is a bacterium that can produce spores that are resistant to alcohol, so alcohol-based hand rubs are not effective against this pathogen. The CDC recommends thoroughly washing hands with soap and water as the best method to remove C. difficile spores and prevent the spread of infection. Moreover, handwashing should be a thorough process involving all parts of the hands and nails, adhering to proper handwashing techniques recommended by the CDC.