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NCLEX · Safety and Infection Control

A client has C. difficile (C. diff). Which precaution is most important for hand hygiene?

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Correct answer

Soap and water must be used because alcohol-based products do not kill C. difficile spores

  1. A Only at the start and end of the shift
  2. B Hand hygiene is not required
  3. C Alcohol-based hand rub is sufficient
  4. D Soap and water must be used because alcohol-based products do not kill C. difficile spores

Why this is the answer

Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) is unique among healthcare pathogens because it forms spores that are resistant to alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Alcohol does not kill C. diff spores. Hand hygiene after caring for C. diff clients (or any patient with suspected infectious diarrhea) must use soap and water, with vigorous mechanical washing to physically remove the spores. The CDC and WHO both specifically recommend this. Contact precautions are required for C. diff clients: gowns and gloves for room entry, dedicated equipment (BP cuffs, stethoscopes), private room or cohorting with other C. diff clients. Environmental cleaning requires sporicidal disinfectants (bleach or specific EPA-registered products) rather than standard quaternary ammonium disinfectants which do not kill spores. C. diff is one of the most common healthcare-associated infections and requires diligence to prevent transmission.
Source: NCLEX-RN Test Plan, Infection Control — C. difficile

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About this topic: Safety and Infection Control

Safety and infection control questions cover Standard and transmission-based precautions, isolation set-up, sterile technique, error prevention, restraints, and emergency and disaster response. This is one of 24 RN: Safe and Effective Care Environment questions on safety and infection control, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

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