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    Med surg proctored exam (care of gastric patient)

    A client is diagnosed with clostridium difficile. Which order would the nurse QUESTION?

    Explanation & Rationale

    Clostridium difficile is a spore-forming bacterium that causes pseudomembranous colitis following the disruption of normal intestinal flora. It produces toxins A and B, leading to severe secretory diarrhea and potential toxic megacolon. Management involves metronidazole or vancomycin and strict adherence to infection control protocols. A. Administer antidiarrheal medication: Inhibiting intestinal motility with agents like loperamide can cause the retention of potent bacterial toxins within the colon. This increases the risk of toxic megacolon and bowel perforation in C. diff patients. The toxins must be expelled through defecation. B. Provide intravenous electrolyte replacement: Profuse watery diarrhea leads to the rapid loss of potassium, sodium, and bicarbonate. Intravenous fluids are necessary to maintain hemodynamic stability and prevent metabolic acidosis or cardiac arrhythmias. This is a vital supportive intervention. C. Encouraging fluids as tolerated: Oral rehydration helps compensate for the high-volume fluid loss characteristic of this infection. Maintaining intravascular volume is essential to prevent acute kidney injury secondary to dehydration. Fluids should contain electrolytes whenever possible. D. Initiate contact isolation: C. difficile spores are highly resistant to standard disinfectants and are easily transmitted via contaminated surfaces. Contact precautions, including gown and gloves, are mandatory to prevent nosocomial outbreaks. Hand hygiene must involve soap and water.

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