A nurse is caring for a client with the diagnosis of clostridium difficile. While providing care to the client, the nurse's glove tears. After removing the soiled gloves, what is the priority action by the nurse?

A. Wash hands with soap and water: Soap and water are the most effective method for removing Clostridium difficile spores from the hands. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are ineffective against C. difficile spores, so washing with soap and water is the priority. B. Don a clean pair of nonsterile gloves: While donning new gloves is important for continuing care, it does not address the need to properly disinfect hands after a contamination event, which should be done immediately. C. Wash hands with alcohol-based hand sanitizer: Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are not effective against C. difficile spores, so they should not be used in this scenario. Soap and water are required to effectively remove the spores. D. Wash hands with a bleach wipe from a nearby container: While bleach wipes are effective for disinfecting surfaces, they are not intended for hand hygiene. Soap and water should be used to clean hands in this situation.