The nurse is caring for a patient who has cultured positive for Clostridium difficile. Which action will the nurse take next?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because C. difficile spores are not effectively killed by alcohol-based hand sanitizers, so instructing assistive personnel to use soap and water is crucial for proper hand hygiene. Choice B is incorrect as N95 respirators are used for airborne precautions, not for C. difficile. Choice C is incorrect as C. difficile requires contact precautions, not droplet precautions. Choice D is incorrect as it is not directly related to preventing the spread of C. difficile.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Infection control is a critical aspect of healthcare, and understanding the populations that are more vulnerable to infections is essential for all healthcare professionals. The correct answer is A) TRUE. Older people, immunocompromised individuals, babies, hospitalized patients, and pregnant women are indeed more at risk of infections due to various factors. Older individuals often have weakened immune systems, making them more susceptible to infections. Immunocompromised individuals, such as those with HIV/AIDS or undergoing chemotherapy, have a compromised ability to fight off infections. Babies have developing immune systems, making them more vulnerable. Hospitalized patients are exposed to pathogens in healthcare settings, increasing their risk. Pregnant women experience changes in their immune system, leaving them more susceptible to certain infections. Option B) FALSE is incorrect because the statement provided in the question is accurate based on the vulnerabilities of these specific populations. Options C) and D) are not applicable as the correct answer is A. Educationally, understanding the populations at higher risk of infections is crucial for providing appropriate care, implementing infection control measures, and preventing the spread of diseases in healthcare settings. Healthcare professionals must tailor their infection control practices to protect these vulnerable groups effectively.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the context of infection control and hand hygiene, the statement that "Alcohol-based hand rub is the preferred method of hand hygiene" is indeed TRUE. The rationale behind this is based on evidence-based practice and recommendations from healthcare agencies like the CDC and WHO. Alcohol-based hand rubs are highly effective in killing a broad spectrum of germs, including bacteria and viruses, and they are quick and convenient to use, making compliance more likely among healthcare workers. Choosing option B) FALSE would be incorrect because alcohol-based hand rubs have been proven to be more effective than handwashing with soap and water in many situations, especially in healthcare settings where quick and frequent hand hygiene is essential to prevent the spread of infections. While handwashing with soap and water is still important in certain situations, such as when hands are visibly soiled, alcohol-based hand rubs are generally preferred due to their efficacy and convenience. Educationally, understanding the rationale behind the preference for alcohol-based hand rubs helps healthcare professionals make informed decisions about hand hygiene practices in their daily work. It emphasizes the importance of using evidence-based methods to prevent healthcare-associated infections and protect both patients and healthcare workers. By knowing when and how to use alcohol-based hand rubs effectively, healthcare professionals can contribute to a safer healthcare environment for everyone involved.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the context of infection control, understanding the origin and transmission of different infections is crucial for healthcare professionals. Gas gangrene is a type of infection caused by the bacterium Clostridium perfringens, which is commonly found in soil. Therefore, the correct answer is C) soil. Choosing option A) other people is incorrect because gas gangrene is not a contagious infection that spreads from person to person. Option B) food is also incorrect as gas gangrene is not typically transmitted through food. Option D) animals is incorrect as well because while some Clostridium species can be found in animals, gas gangrene specifically originates from soil contaminated with the bacteria. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of understanding reservoirs of infections to implement appropriate infection control measures. It emphasizes the need for healthcare providers to be knowledgeable about the sources of different infections to prevent their spread and provide effective care to patients.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the context of infection control, practicing hand hygiene is the most effective nursing intervention to break the chain of infection. Hand hygiene, which involves washing hands with soap and water or using hand sanitizer, is crucial in preventing the spread of pathogens from one person to another. Nurses come into contact with various microorganisms throughout their shifts, and proper hand hygiene significantly reduces the risk of transmitting these pathogens to vulnerable patients, colleagues, and other individuals. Administering medications (Option A) is an important nursing intervention for treating infections but does not directly address the prevention of infection transmission. Providing good skin care (Option B) is essential for maintaining skin integrity but may not be as effective as hand hygiene in preventing the spread of infection. Wearing gloves at all times (Option D) is important when dealing with bodily fluids or performing invasive procedures, but it is not a comprehensive strategy for breaking the chain of infection. Educationally, understanding the principles of infection control is fundamental for all healthcare professionals, especially nurses. By emphasizing the importance of hand hygiene, educators can help students develop strong infection prevention practices that are essential in providing safe and effective patient care. Reinforcing the rationale behind the correct answer (C) can help students prioritize this simple yet powerful intervention in their clinical practice to minimize the risk of healthcare-associated infections.