1. Diff Infection: Protecting Yourself and Others

What is C. Diff?

1. Diff, or Clostridioides difficile infection, is a gastrointestinal illness caused by the bacterium Clostridioides difficile (C. Diff). This bacterium thrives when the normal gut flora (good bacteria) is disrupted, often due to antibiotic use. C. Diff causes inflammation in the intestines, leading to symptoms like:

• Diarrhea (often severe and watery)
• Abdominal pain and cramping
• Fever
• Dehydration
• Loss of appetite

Transmission of C. Diff

1. Diff is highly contagious and can spread through the fecal-oral route. Here’s how it can be transmitted:

• Direct contact: Contact with feces from an infected person, especially on their hands or in their environment.
• Indirect contact: Touching contaminated surfaces (e.g., toilets, bedrails) and then touching your mouth.
• Spores: C. Diff bacteria can form spores that are very difficult to kill and can remain infectious on surfaces for a long time.

Protecting Yourself and Others

As a nurse caring for a C. Diff patient, it’s crucial to take steps to prevent the spread of the infection to yourself and other patients. Here are some key actions:

• Hand Hygiene: Frequent and thorough handwashing with soap and water is the most critical step. Perform hand hygiene before and after any contact with the patient, their belongings, or their environment.
• Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear gloves, gowns, and disposable shoe covers when entering the patient’s room. Discard these items after each visit and perform hand hygiene again.
• Cleaning and Disinfection: Clean and disinfect surfaces in the patient’s room frequently, especially high-touch areas like bedrails, doorknobs, and toilets. Use an EPA-approved disinfectant that is effective against C. Diff spores.
• Dedicated Equipment: If possible, dedicate equipment (e.g., stethoscopes, thermometers) for the C. Diff patient to minimize the risk of contamination.
• Patient Education: Educate the patient about C. Diff, transmission routes, and the importance of good hand hygiene to prevent further spread.
• Contact Precautions: Alert other healthcare providers about the patient’s C. Diff infection so they can take appropriate precautions.

Additional Considerations:

• Monitor for Symptoms: Be vigilant for signs and symptoms of C. Diff in other patients on the unit, especially those who have recently been on antibiotics.
• Cohorting (if possible): If feasible, consider placing the C. Diff patient in a single room with a dedicated bathroom to minimize contamination risk.
• Communication: Maintain clear communication with colleagues about C. Diff precautions and any updates on the patient’s condition.

By following these protocols diligently, you can significantly reduce the risk of C. Diff transmission and protect yourself, your patient, and other patients on the unit.