Psychosocial Aspects
The state of being very fatigued due to constant diarrhea
Extreme physical exhaustion
What classifications of medication do they use to treat C-Diff?
Antibiotics
what kind of diet consists of bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast and why is this good for c diff? (hint: it’s an acronym)
BRAT, they’re bland and help firm stool
What gastrointestinal symptoms should the nurse assess for in a patient suspected of having C. difficile infection?
The nurse should assess for symptoms such as diarrhea (often watery, with a foul odor), abdominal pain or cramping, nausea, and loss of appetite.
What infection control measures should people be aware of when caring for a patient with C. difficile infection?
contact precautions, including wearing gloves and gowns when in contact with the patient or their environment. They should also practice thorough hand hygiene using soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizers before and after patient contact
a state or feeling of serious sadness or loss of pleasure due to constant feelings of illness
Depression
Why is C-Diff treated with antibiotics?
Antibiotics are effective in targeting and killing the C. difficile bacteria directly. The goal of treatment is to eliminate the harmful bacteria causing the infection. C. difficile produces toxins that damage the lining of the intestines, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea. Antibiotics can help reduce the production of these toxins by targeting and killing the bacteria
what kinds of foods that loosen stool should be avoided in patients with this illness?
High fiber foods
How does the nurse assess the patient's recent antibiotic use in relation to C. difficile infection?
The nurse should ask the patient about recent antibiotic use, including the type of antibiotic, duration of use, and when it was last taken. This information helps determine the risk of C. difficile infection.
How can nursing students contribute to preventing the transmission of C. difficile infection within healthcare facilities?
Nursing students can contribute to preventing the transmission of C. difficile infection by advocating for and participating in environmental cleaning and disinfection protocols. They should also be vigilant in identifying and reporting any breaches in infection control practices to prevent the spread of infection to other patients and healthcare workers.
a feeling of worry or nervousness due to the constant need for rest rooms
Anxiety
What role do probiotics play in the treatment of C. difficile infection?
Probiotics, such as Saccharomyces boulardii and certain strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, may be used as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of C. difficile infection. They work by restoring the balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut, which can help prevent recurrence of C. difficile infection.
why is it crucial that a nurse encourages fluids in a patient with c diff?
C. diff can cause dehydration very easily (watery stool)
How does the nurse evaluate the patient's hydration status in C. difficile infection?
The nurse can assess hydration status by monitoring vital signs (including heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature), skin turgor, mucous membrane moisture, and urine output. Dehydration is a concern due to fluid loss from diarrhea associated with C. difficile infection.
What educational resources can a nurse access to enhance their understanding of C. difficile infection and its management?
AHS Protocols
Insite
feelings of self-consciousness, shame, or awkwardness due to diagnosis and feelings of being unclean or contagious
Embarrassment
When might fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) be considered for C. difficile infection?
recurrent or refractory C. difficile infection, where other treatments have failed or when there's a high risk of recurrence. It involves transferring fecal matter from a healthy donor to restore a healthy gut microbiota.
what professional should we consult to provide personalized advice on a patient's diet?
Dietician
What additional risk factors beyond recent antibiotic use might the nurse explore during the assessment of a patient suspected of having C. difficile infection, and why are they relevant?
nurse should explore additional risk factors such as recent hospitalization or healthcare facility exposure, advanced age, immunocompromised status, use of proton pump inhibitors or other gastric acid suppressants, and previous history of C. difficile infection.
increase the patient's susceptibility to C. difficile infection or recurrence, and they help guide appropriate diagnostic and management strategies.
What is the most important thing a nurse can do to stop the spread of C.Diff?
hand hygiene
a state of emotional suffering characterized by all previous psychosocial symptoms/aspects
Psychological distress
What antibiotics do they use to treat C-Diff?
Metronidazole and Vancomycin
why should sugars and artificial sweetener intake be reduced in patients with c diff?
C. diff can feed off sugar
What past medical history is relevant for the nurse to assess in a patient suspected of having C. difficile infection?
The nurse should assess for any history of previous C. difficile infections, gastrointestinal surgeries, underlying medical conditions (such as inflammatory bowel disease), or immunocompromised status, as these factors can increase susceptibility to C. difficile infection.
What are 3 things a nurse can do to help a patient with C-Diff?
monitor hydration status
medication for pain relief and treatment
educate patient and family about infection and prevention treatment