A nurse is admitting a client who was prescribed antibiotic therapy and now has a Clostridium difficile infection. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A reason: Masks are not required for Clostridium difficile infection unless there is a coexisting airborne condition. C. difficile is transmitted via the fecal-oral route, not through respiratory droplets. Choice B reason: Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are ineffective against C. difficile spores. Handwashing with soap and water is required to physically remove spores from the hands. Choice C reason: Protective environments are reserved for immunocompromised patients, such as those with neutropenia. C. difficile requires contact precautions, not protective isolation. Choice D reason: Daily disinfection of equipment and surfaces is essential to prevent the spread of C. difficile. The spores can persist on surfaces and contaminate shared equipment, making environmental hygiene a critical control measure.