Clostridium difficile infection: nursing considerations

Abstract

Clostridium difficile is a bacterium which commonly causes diarrhoea in inpatients. C. difficile affects hospitalised patients worldwide and can pose a significant risk to patients. This article explores the transmission and risk factors for C. difficile infection (CDI). There are many aspects to the prevention and control of CDI: appropriate antibiotic use, early instigation and maintenance of prevention and control strategies, and high standards of environmental cleanliness, education, and surveillance. This article discusses the role of the nurse in each of these prevention and control activities.

Best Practices in Caring for Patients Infected With Clostridium difficile

“…1 Nurses must provide education to patients and visitors regarding CDI transmission and prevention strategies. 9 …”

“…They should be included in the multidisciplinary antibiotic stewardship committee to ensure that use of antimicrobial agents is evidence based because exposure to antibiotics plays a major role in CDI. 1,9 Protocols should be developed so that nurses can implement contact precautions as soon as CDI is suspected, even before testing confirms the patient's CDI status. 1 Nurses must provide education to patients and visitors regarding CDI transmission and prevention strategies.…”