A nurse is caring for a client who has a Clostridium difficile infection. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? (Select all that apply.)

Rationale: A. Change gloves after contact with infectious material: Gloves must be changed after contact with infectious material to prevent cross-contamination. C. difficile spores can survive on surfaces and be transferred if gloves are not properly changed between tasks or patients. B. Wear an N95 respirator when providing care: An N95 respirator is not required for C. difficile, as it is transmitted via the fecal-oral route through spores, not by airborne particles. Standard and contact precautions not airborne are appropriate for this infection. C. Wear a gown when providing care: Wearing a gown is essential when caring for a client with C. difficile, as the spores can contaminate clothing and surfaces. Contact precautions require both gloves and gowns for direct care. D. Remove the thermometer from client's room for use on another client: Equipment used for a client with C. difficile should remain dedicated to that client to prevent environmental contamination. Sharing items between patients increases the risk of spreading spores. E. Wash hands with an alcohol-based cleaner: Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are ineffective against C. difficile spores. Hands should be washed with soap and water, which is the only effective method for removing these resilient organisms.