Basic Information
What is C. diff?
Clostridium difficile is a bacteria that causes infection within the large intestine.
Name 1 antibiotic that is used in the treatment of C. diff
- vancomycin
- metronidazole
How is C. diff spread?
- fecal-oral route
- person to person
- improper hand washing of healthcare workers
Patients that are suffering from C. diff are at risk for hypovolemia and hypotension. What causes this?
The multiple episodes of mild to moderate diarrhea deplete fluids in the body.
A nurse who is currently on a regimen of antibiotics enters a patients room who currently has C. diff. What is the problem with this situation?
The nurse is at high risk for contracting C. diff due to her suppressed immune system from the antibiotics.
What antibiotic class is most commonly associated with the treatment of C. diff?
Cephalosporins
Patients should rest their stomachs but drink plenty of fluids.
What type of cleaner will kill C. diff infections?
Sporacidal cleaners
Name 1 age group that is at risk for developing C. diff infection.
- newborns
- adults that are 65 years and older
Your patient with C. diff came from a nearby nursing home and is wanting to go home. She asks the nurse if it is possible for her to go home. What should the nurse tell her?
What are the classic symptoms observed in a patient that have an active C. diff infection?
Multiple loose and watery stools with a distinct odor and abdominal cramping
You currently have a patient that is bed confined and has an active C. diff infection. What is a treatment option that could help prevent skin breakdown as a result from loose stools?
A nurse is caring for a patient with C. diff. After finishing care for her patient, she takes her gloves and gown off and disposes of them and then washes her hands with hand sanitizer. What teaching needs to take place?
The nurse washed her hands with hand sanitizer. C. diff is only killed by using soap and water.
A patient has suffered a severe case of C. diff. What is a surgical procedure that may be performed?
Total colectomy
What is the definitive lab test to diagnose C diff?
Stool culture
How is C. diff transmitted?
C. diff is transmitted through spores.
What is one type of medication that should not be given to patients who have an active C. diff infection?
Anti-diarrheal medications should not be given.
When a patient has been diagnosed with C. diff, how long will they need to be isolated to their own room?
Once the patients diarrhea has settled and they have been receiving antibiotics, 48 hours
Name 2 complications that can result from untreated C. diff
- sepsis
- toxic megacolon
- pseudomembranous colitis
- perforation of the colon
- death
When does C. diff typically occur?
4-5 days after taking a strong antibiotic
Name 3 surfaces that C. diff can live on in a patients room.
- toilet
- shower
- light switches
- clothing
- blood pressure cuff
Taking a probiotic is recommended for patient with a current C. diff infection. Name 2 foods that are high in probiotics
- yogurt
- cheese
- sauerkraut
Name 3 ways to prevent the spread of C. diff.
- isolate patients in their own individual rooms
- wear gloves and gowns when entering patients room
- washing hands with soap and water
- cleaning surfaces in the patients room
Name 2 electrolyte imbalances that can occur from C. diff.
- hyponatremia
- hypernatremia
- hyperkalemia
- hypokalemia
Your patient with C. diff is wondering if they can have visitors, what is the appropriate response by the nurse?
The patient can have visitors but they are required to wear gloves and a gown and wash their hands with soap and water before leaving.