# The infection-prevention nurse audits care for a client with suspected C difficile infection. Which actions require follow-up? Highlight the practices that can increase transmission risk.

> source: MyMerci (mymerci.kr)  
> url: https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=494271&lang=en  
> language: en  
> subject: Standard/Transmission-Based Precautions/Surgical Asepsis  
> category: SIPC

## Question

The infection-prevention nurse audits care for a client with suspected C difficile infection. Which actions require follow-up? Highlight the practices that can increase transmission risk.

| Unit context | Observed action |
| --- | --- |
| A dedicated toilet is available inside the room. | The client is placed in a single room while stool testing is pending. |
| No cleaning or disinfection step is documented between clients. | A shared blood-pressure cuff is moved directly to the next client. |
| The device is labeled and cleaned according to facility policy. | A dedicated stethoscope remains in the client's room after use. |
| Clean clothing and linens are provided after the bath. | The client bathes with soap and water during the morning care period. |
| The client continues to have frequent unexplained diarrhea. | A staff member enters to empty the commode without gown or gloves. |
| Environmental services follows the product contact time. | High-touch room surfaces receive the approved disinfectant process. |
| The facility plan specifies at least 48 additional hours. | Contact precautions continue after the diarrhea has resolved. |
| The client remains on contact precautions for suspected infection. | Transport is arranged without informing the receiving diagnostic unit. |
| Hand hygiene supplies and instructions are available at the doorway. | The nurse teaches visitors to follow posted protective-equipment steps. |

## Explanation

Unclean shared equipment, missing gown and gloves, and transfer without precaution communication increase transmission risk. Isolation, dedicated equipment, cleaning, and a clear handoff support safer care.

## In-depth explanation

Quick answer
Follow up when a shared blood-pressure cuff is moved without disinfection, a staff member enters without gown and gloves, and the receiving unit is not told about the client's C. difficile precautions.

Why this is correct
CDC guidance calls for contact precautions, dedicated equipment, appropriate environmental cleaning, and communication during transfer for suspected or confirmed C. difficile infection.[2] Omitting these barriers can carry spores to people, equipment, and another care area.

Easy analogy or mental picture
Imagine invisible spores as glitter. Gloves and gowns keep it off clothing and hands, dedicated equipment keeps it in one room, cleaning removes it from surfaces, and transfer communication warns the next team where the glitter may be.

Memory hook
Room, gown-gloves, dedicated gear, clean, communicate.

NCLEX decision rule
For a spore-forming enteric infection, evaluate the whole transmission chain: placement, personal protective equipment, equipment, environment, hand hygiene, and handoff. One missing link can spread contamination.

Why the other choices are wrong
Prompt isolation while testing is pending, a dedicated toilet and stethoscope, soap-and-water bathing, appropriate disinfectant use, and continuing precautions after diarrhea resolves match the displayed prevention plan.References

- [1]NCSBN: 2026 NCLEX-RN Test PlanNational Council of State Boards of Nursing

- [2]CDC: Clinical Guidance for C. difficile PreventionCenters for Disease Control and Prevention

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