# A client with watery diarrhea tests positive for Clostridioides difficile. Which infection control action is most appropriate?

> source: MyMerci (mymerci.kr)  
> url: https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=396597&lang=en  
> language: en  
> subject: Standard/Transmission-Based Precautions/Surgical Asepsis  
> category: SIPC

## Question

A client with watery diarrhea tests positive for Clostridioides difficile. Which infection control action is most appropriate?

## Option

1. Use only alcohol hand sanitizer after removing gloves.
2. Place the client on contact precautions and wash hands with soap and water after care. **✔ Correct answer**
3. Assign the client to a room with a client recovering from influenza.
4. Stop cleaning shared equipment because gloves were worn.

**Correct answer: 2**

## Explanation

C. difficile requires contact precautions and meticulous environmental cleaning; soap and water is preferred after care because spores are difficult to remove with alcohol alone. Cohorting with a client with another infection or skipping equipment cleaning increases transmission risk.

## In-depth explanation

Clinical Judgment
Use the client cues, timing, labs, and safety risks to select the response that best fits C difficile precautions.

Memory Tip
Match the strongest cue cluster to the safest nursing judgment.

KR vs US
NCLEX items reward cue-based priority thinking rather than isolated recall.

## Clinical scenario

Clinical Practice Guide
For C difficile precautions, compare the complete cue pattern with the client's current stability, ordered data, and expected nursing scope.

Caution
Do not choose an action from one isolated cue when the full scenario changes priority or safety.

## Key concepts

- **Clostridioides difficile** — A spore-forming organism that can cause infectious diarrhea.
- **Contact Precautions** — Transmission-based precautions for organisms spread by direct or indirect contact.
- **Hand Hygiene** — Cleaning hands to reduce transmission of microorganisms.

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