Clostridium Difficile

Definition

100

True or False: Clostridium Difficile is a spore-forming, gram-positive, anaerobic bacterium transmitted by the fecal-oral route.

True.

200

This diagnostic test for Clostridium Difficile provides results within 2 - 6 hours, making it the most commonly used test. A) Stool Culture B) Stool Cytotoxic Assay C) Enzyme Immunoassay D) Western Blot

C) Enzyme Immunoassay

300

A patient with acute infectious diarrhea has a fever and blood in his stool. His condition does not improve with oral hydration therapy. Which of the following is a risk factor for infection with Clostridium Difficile? A)History of heart disease B)Use of antibiotics in the past six weeks C)Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease D)Hypertension

B)Use of antibiotics in the past six weeks Rationale: Antibiotic use disrupts the normal flora of the bowel leading to overgrowth by Clostridium Difficile with the release of toxins and resulting in inflammation.

Prevention

100

True or False: Alcohol-base hand sanitizers are used to prevent the spread of Clostridium Difficile.

False, Clostridium Difficile is a bacterium that is resistant to alcohol-base hand sanitizers.

200

Select all that apply: Personal protective equipment for personnel caring for a patient with Clostridium Difficile includes? A)Gloves B)Mask C)Goggles D)Gown

A)Gloves D)Gown

300

A nurse is working in a long-term care facility. There is a Clostridium Difficile outbreak. Which of the following clients is at high risk? A)The client with peptic ulcer B)The client with cardiac disease C)The client with open wound who has tetanus toxoid D)The client with renal failure

A)The client with peptic ulcer Rationale: Clostridium Difficile is a bacterial enterocolitis. It is common amoung those taking antimicrobial. The client with peptic ulcer disease is at a high risk to develop Clostrdium Diffcile.

Knowledge

100

True or False: The acid-resistant spores linger and germinate in the small intestine after surviving the gastric acid barrier and bypassing the stomach.

False, they germinate in the colon (Large Intestine).

200

Select all that apply: Typical signs and symptoms related to Clostridium Difficile are? A)Diarrhea B)Severe Abdominal Pain C)Shortness of Breath D)Fever E)Burning Urination

A)Diarrhea B)Severe Abdominal Pain D)Fever

300

The nurse is planning care for an elderly client experiencing diarrhea related to Clostridium Difficile. In planning care for this patient the nurse would develop a priority nursing goal to: A)Control diarrhea with fiber B)Prevent the spread of disease C)Position the client to promote comfort D)Maintain fluid and electrolyte balance.

D)Maintain fluid and electrolyte balance. Rationale: The nurse would maintain fluid and electrolyte balance and encourage good nutrition. Pain relief is not a priority nor is preventing the spread of the disease in others. Controlling diarrhea would be contraindicated.