Your written assignment for this module should be a 1-2 page paper (not including title page and reference page) that describes the following: You are caring for a patient with c-diff as part of your workload assignment. Discuss what c-diff is and how it is transmitted (how you can get it)? 4 What actions will you take as a nurse to protect yourself and the other patients on the unit when taking care of your patient? 4 Grammar, APA and Organization 2

C. difficile, also known as C. diff, is a bacterium that causes gastrointestinal infection. It is primarily found in healthcare environments, such as hospitals and long-term care facilities. The bacterium is transmitted through the fecal-oral route, meaning it can be acquired by ingesting the spores that are present in the feces of an infected individual.

C. diff spores can survive for a long time on surfaces, such as toilets, bed linens, and medical equipment. They can also be spread through contact with healthcare workers or contaminated objects. Consequently, strict infection control measures are crucial in preventing the spread of C. diff in healthcare settings.

As a nurse caring for a patient with C. diff, it is important to take appropriate actions to protect oneself and other patients on the unit. The following are key measures that should be implemented:

1. Hand hygiene: The most effective means of preventing the transmission of C. diff is proper hand hygiene. Hands should be washed with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after coming into contact with the patient, their immediate environment, or any items that are potentially contaminated with C. diff spores. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are not as effective against C. diff and should not be used as a substitute for handwashing.

2. Personal protective equipment (PPE): In addition to hand hygiene, wearing appropriate PPE is crucial. This includes gloves and gowns when providing direct care to the patient or handling any potentially contaminated materials. PPE should be worn during all interactions with the patient and removed promptly after leaving their room. Proper disposal and appropriate hand hygiene after removing PPE are essential to prevent transmission.

3. Contact precautions: Patients with C. diff should be placed on contact precautions, which involve a combination of standard and transmission-based precautions. Standard precautions, such as hand hygiene and appropriate use of PPE, should be followed for all patients. Transmission-based precautions for C. diff include having the patient in a private room, using dedicated patient care items, and implementing thorough cleaning and disinfection of the environment.

4. Environmental cleaning: Environmental surfaces and equipment in the patient’s room should be regularly cleaned and disinfected with an effective C. diff-specific disinfectant. Cleaning should be focused on high-touch surfaces, such as bed rails, call buttons, and doorknobs. It is important to follow the facility’s cleaning protocols and ensure that all surfaces are thoroughly cleaned.

5. Antibiotic stewardship: C. diff infection often occurs as a result of antibiotic use, as antibiotics can disrupt the normal balance of bowel flora, making individuals more susceptible to infection. As a nurse, advocating for proper antibiotic stewardship is crucial. This involves ensuring that antibiotics are only prescribed when necessary and monitoring the patient’s response to treatment to prevent unnecessary use and the development of antibiotic-resistant infections.

By following these measures, nurses can effectively protect themselves and other patients from C. diff transmission. It is important to maintain strict adherence to infection control protocols and stay up-to-date with current guidelines to ensure the safety of both patients and healthcare workers.

In conclusion, C. diff is a bacterium that causes gastrointestinal infection and is primarily spread through the fecal-oral route. Nurses caring for patients with C. diff should implement strict infection control measures, including appropriate hand hygiene, use of PPE, contact precautions, thorough environmental cleaning, and advocacy for antibiotic stewardship. These actions are essential in preventing the transmission of C. diff and ensuring the safety of patients and healthcare workers.