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. Remove the thermometer from the client’s room for use on another client: Equipment used for clients with C. difficile should be dedicated or properly disinfected before reuse. Removing and using the same thermometer on other clients without disinfection increases the risk of cross-contamination. B. Wash hands with an alcohol-based cleaner: Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are ineffective against C. difficile spores. Handwashing with soap and water is required to physically remove the spores from the hands. C. Change gloves after contact with infectious material: Gloves must be changed between tasks and after contact with infectious material to prevent spread. This is standard contact precaution practice for C. difficile infections. D. Wear a gown when providing care: A gown should be worn during any direct care or activities likely to involve contact with the client or contaminated surfaces, as C. difficile is transmitted via the fecal-oral route and can persist on surfaces. E. Wear an N95 respirator when providing care: An N95 respirator is not required for C. difficile, which is transmitted through contact, not airborne routes. Standard and contact precautions, not airborne, are appropriate.