The nurse is caring for a patient with a diagnosed case of Clostridium difficile. The nurse expects to implement which of the following interventions? (Select all that apply.)

Question

a. Administration of protease inhibitors
b. Use of personal protective equipment
c. Patient teaching on methods to inhibit transmission
d. Preventing visitors from entering the room
e. Administration of intravenous fluids
f. Strict monitoring of intake and output

Answer 1

ANS: B, C, E, F
Protease inhibitors are used for treatment of viral infections, not bacterial infections. The nurse wants to protect visitors from exposure to the bacteria and protect the patient from secondary infection while immunocompromised, but the patient will need the support of family and close friends. Contact isolation precautions must be strictly followed along with the use of personal protective equipment and teaching on methods to inhibit transmission to help break the chain of infection. Intravenous fluids and strict intake and output monitoring will be important for the patient suffering the effects of Clostridium difficile, because it causes diarrhea with fluid loss.