Your written assignment for this module should be a 1-2 page paper (not including title page and reference page) that describes the following:
- You are caring for a patient with c-diff as part of your workload assignment. Discuss what c-diff is and how it is transmitted (how you can get it)?
- What actions will you take as a nurse to protect yourself and the other patients on the unit when taking care of your patient?
You should include a minimum of 3 scholarly references (suggestion on using SkyScape). Include a title page, in-text citations, and a reference page in APA format.
Submit your completed assignment by following the directions linked below. Please check the Course Calendar for specific due dates.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
Clostridium difficile, commonly known as C. diff, is a bacterium that causes inflammation of the colon, leading to diarrhea and other serious bowel problems. As a medical student, it is important to understand all aspects related to this bacterial infection, including how it is transmitted and how to protect yourself and others from being infected. In this paper, we will explore C. diff, its transmission, and the actions that a nurse should take to ensure safety.
1. What is C. diff, and how is it transmitted?
C. diff is a bacterial infection that can cause severe diarrhea and inflammation of the colon. It is commonly found in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities, and it primarily affects people who are already taking antibiotics. C. diff bacteria pass through the digestive tract and produce toxins that can damage the lining of the colon, leading to severe diarrhea.
C. diff bacteria are transmitted when people come into contact with feces from infected patients. The bacteria are present in feces and can survive on surfaces for days, allowing for transmission via contaminated surfaces or medical equipment. Therefore, the risk of transmission is high in healthcare settings where people come into close contact with infected individuals.
2. What actions should be taken to protect oneself and other patients on the unit when caring for a patient with C. diff?
As a nurse, it is essential to take measures to prevent the spread of C. diff. The following actions can help protect oneself and other patients on the unit:
– Wearing gloves, gowns, and other personal protective equipment (PPE) when in contact with feces or contaminated surfaces.
– Practicing good hand hygiene, such as washing hands with soap and water or using hand sanitizer. Hand hygiene should be done before and after caring for the patient, as well as after touching any contaminated surfaces or items.
– Isolating the patient to prevent spread to other patients on the unit.
– Regularly cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and medical equipment to remove the bacteria.
– Encouraging patients and visitors to practice good hand hygiene to prevent the spread of infection.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, C. diff is a serious bacterial infection that can cause severe diarrhea and inflammation of the colon. As healthcare providers, we have a responsibility to take measures to prevent the spread of this infection and protect ourselves and others on the unit. By following proper infection control protocols, such as wearing PPE, practicing good hand hygiene, and isolating infected patients, we can help prevent the spread of C. diff and ensure the safety of everyone in the healthcare setting.