A client is diagnosed with Clostridium difficile. Which action should the practical nurse (PN) implement to prevent the spread of the organism?

The correct answer is choice D. Don non-sterile gloves when performing direct care. Choice A rationale: Placing a surgical mask on the client during transport is not necessary for preventing the spread of Clostridium difficile. C. difficile is primarily spread through contact with contaminated surfaces and not through airborne transmission. Choice B rationale: Keeping the door closed to the client’s room at all times is not required for C. difficile infection. The focus should be on contact precautions rather than airborne precautions. Choice C rationale: Wearing a particulate respirator mask is not needed for C. difficile, as it is not an airborne pathogen. Standard contact precautions are sufficient. Choice D rationale: Donning non-sterile gloves when performing direct care is essential to prevent the spread of C. difficile. The spores can be transmitted via the hands of healthcare workers, so wearing gloves helps to minimize this risk.