When preparing to assess a client with Clostridium difficile infection, which piece of PPE should the nurse put on before entering the room?

When preparing to assess a client with Clostridium difficile infection, which piece of PPE should the nurse put on before entering the room?

• A. Full plastic gown
• B. N95
• C. Gloves
• D. Face shield

Answer: (A)

Clostridium difficile spreads mainly through contact with contaminated surfaces and hands, so protecting against contact transmission is key. A full plastic gown provides a sturdy barrier between your clothing and any spores on the patient’s environment or belongings, helping prevent contamination of your clothes and spreading spores as you move through the room. Gloves are important too, but the gown is the first line of defense that keeps you from carrying contamination on clothing and skin as you enter and move around. The N95 is unnecessary because this is not an airborne threat, and a face shield isn’t routinely required unless there’s a risk of splashes to the eyes. After leaving the room, remove PPE and wash your hands with soap and water to remove spores effectively.

Clostridium difficile spreads mainly through contact with contaminated surfaces and hands, so protecting against contact transmission is key. A full plastic gown provides a sturdy barrier between your clothing and any spores on the patient’s environment or belongings, helping prevent contamination of your clothes and spreading spores as you move through the room. Gloves are important too, but the gown is the first line of defense that keeps you from carrying contamination on clothing and skin as you enter and move around. The N95 is unnecessary because this is not an airborne threat, and a face shield isn’t routinely required unless there’s a risk of splashes to the eyes. After leaving the room, remove PPE and wash your hands with soap and water to remove spores effectively.