A nurse on a medical-surgical unit suspects that several patients have Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) when they all develop watery diarrhea.
What actions should the nurse plan to take while waiting for the patients’ lab results?
Request the providers to initiate antibiotic therapy for every patient on the unit.
Perform hand hygiene with an alcohol-based agent.
Obtain stool cultures from all patients on the nursing unit.
Place all patients who have symptoms on contact precautions.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Requesting the providers to initiate antibiotic therapy for every patient on the unit is not the most appropriate action. Antibiotics should only be used when there is a confirmed bacterial infection. Overuse of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance and can potentially trigger C. difficile infection due to disruption of normal gut flora.
Choice B rationale
While performing hand hygiene with an alcohol-based agent is important in general infection control, it is not the most effective measure against C. difficile.
C. difficile spores are resistant to destruction by alcohol-based hand rubs. Therefore, hand hygiene for C. difficile should involve washing with soap and water.
Choice C rationale
Obtaining stool cultures from all patients on the nursing unit is not the most appropriate action. Stool cultures should be obtained from patients who are symptomatic. Testing asymptomatic patients can lead to false positives and unnecessary treatment.
Choice D rationale
Placing all patients who have symptoms on contact precautions is the correct answer. Contact precautions, including the use of gloves and gowns, can prevent the spread of C. difficile. This is because C. difficile is spread via the fecal-oral route, and its spores can survive on surfaces for long periods.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Unplugging the cord by holding the plug is a good practice to prevent electrical hazards, but it is not the most important action when administering intravenous fluids.
Choice B rationale
Ensuring the plug has three prongs is the most important action to prevent electrical hazards when administering intravenous fluids. A three-prong plug is grounded and reduces the risk of electrical shock.
Choice C rationale
Avoiding rolling equipment over extension cords is a good practice to prevent electrical hazards, but it is not the most important action when administering intravenous fluids.
Choice D rationale
Plugging in the pump close to the socket is a good practice to prevent electrical hazards, but it is not the most important action when administering intravenous fluids.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Memory loss is not typically associated with inadequate dietary intake of fiber. Memory loss can be a symptom of various conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or certain vitamin deficiencies, but it is not directly linked to fiber intake.
Choice B rationale
Bleeding gums are not typically a symptom of inadequate dietary intake of fiber. Bleeding gums are more commonly associated with conditions such as gingivitis or vitamin C deficiency, not a lack of dietary fiber.
Choice C rationale
Constipation is the correct answer. Inadequate intake of dietary fiber can lead to constipation. Dietary fiber adds bulk to the diet and helps prevent constipation by promoting regular bowel movements.
Choice D rationale
Brittle hair is not typically a symptom of inadequate dietary intake of fiber. Brittle hair can be a sign of malnutrition or lack of certain nutrients like protein, but it is not directly linked to fiber intake.
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