A nurse is teaching a group of newly licensed nurses about caring for a client who has Clostridium difficile. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

Rationale: A. This option is incorrect because wearing a surgical mask is not required when caring for a client with Clostridium difficile (C. diff). C. diff is transmitted via the fecal-oral route, primarily through contact with contaminated surfaces or hands, not through airborne droplets. Masks are not necessary unless there is a risk of splashing bodily fluids. B. This option is incorrect because alcohol-based hand sanitizers, including chlorhexidine, are not effective against C. diff spores. Hand hygiene should be performed with soap and water, which mechanically removes the spores from the hands. C. This option is incorrect because a positive airflow room is used for clients who are immunocompromised and need protection from airborne pathogens, not for isolation of infectious clients like those with C. diff. D. This option is correct because C. diff is spread via contact with contaminated surfaces, including the client’s skin and environment. Wearing a gown when providing direct care helps prevent the transmission of spores to the nurse’s clothing and reduces the risk of spreading the infection to other clients or areas. Gown and glove precautions are essential components of contact isolation for C. diff.