Answer choices
- A wash hands with soap & water.
- B use alcohol hand-rub.
- C avoid contact.
- D encourage fluids.
Correct answer: A. wash hands with soap & water.
Clinical Rationale
To prevent spread of C. difficile, the aide SHOULD wash hands with soap & water.
Washing hands with soap and water is the most effective method for removing the spores of C. difficile that can be present on hands, as alcohol-based hand sanitizers are ineffective against these spores.
A) wash hands with soap & water.
This is the correct option as it effectively removes C. difficile spores from the skin. Soap and water break down the spores, allowing them to be washed away, which is crucial in preventing the transmission of this infection in healthcare settings.
B) use alcohol hand-rub.
Using alcohol hand rubs is not effective against C. difficile spores. While alcohol-based sanitizers can reduce the number of germs on hands, they do not eliminate spores, making them insufficient for preventing the spread of this particular bacterium.
C) avoid contact.
While avoiding contact with infected individuals is a good practice, it does not address the need for proper hand hygiene, which is essential for preventing the spread of C. difficile. Simply avoiding contact does not eliminate the risk if proper hygiene measures are not followed.
D) encourage fluids.
Encouraging fluids is important for patients with C. difficile infection, but it does not prevent the spread of the bacteria. This option does not address the primary concern of hand hygiene and infection control measures necessary to reduce transmission.
Conclusion
Preventing the spread of C. difficile requires rigorous hand hygiene practices, specifically washing hands with soap and water. This method is essential to effectively remove spores and protect both healthcare providers and patients. Other options, while potentially beneficial in different contexts, do not directly mitigate the risk of spreading this infection.