Which intervention should a nurse take when a patient on antibiotic therapy develops diarrhea and is suspected of having C. diff?

A. Perform a skin assessment: While skin integrity is important for all patients, it is not the priority intervention for a suspected gastrointestinal infection. A skin assessment does not prevent the transmission of Clostridioides difficile spores to other patients or staff. It is a secondary task in the context of infection control. B. Implement standard precautions: Standard precautions are used for all patients but are insufficient to contain the hardy spores of C. diff. These spores are resistant to many common disinfectants and require specific barrier methods. Relying only on standard precautions increases the risk of an institutional outbreak. C. Offer oral rehydration solution: Managing fluid loss is a supportive measure for diarrhea, but it does not address the primary need for source control. The nurse's first priority must be preventing the spread of the pathogen within the healthcare environment. Hydration is important but follows the implementation of isolation protocols. D. Enforce contact precautions: C. diff is highly transmissible via the feco-oral route and requires gloves, gowns, and dedicated equipment to prevent cross-contamination. Contact precautions are the specific evidence-based intervention required to contain the infectious spores. This protects the safety of the unit and other vulnerable clients.