Module 4 Research Paper -Clostridium Difficile
Your written assignment for this module should be a 1–2-page paper (not including title page and reference page) that describes the following:
You are caring for a patient with c-diff as part of your workload assignment. Discuss what c-diff is and how it is transmitted (how you can get it)?
What actions will you take as a nurse to protect yourself and the other patients on the unit when taking care of your patient?
You should include a minimum of 3 scholarly references. Include a title page, in-text citations, and a reference page in APA format. Module 4 Research Paper -Clostridium Difficile
Clostridium Difficile and Mode of Transmission
Clostridium Difficile (C-diff) is a gram-positive bacterium that colonizes the gut but can cause diarrhea and inflammation of the colon. Studies show that it accounts for more than half a million infections in the U.S annually. C-diff risk factors include; recent history of C-diff infections, age of 60 years and above, recent hospitalization, and a weekend immune system. This disease has a high rate of reinfections. According to Guh et al. (2018), one in every six initially treated get re-infected.
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People suffer from C-diff present with fever, nausea, loss of appetite, watery stool, and stomach ache, which may be tender. Often C-diff acts as normal flora; however, when you take antibiotics, the guts are susceptible to toxins produced by the bacteria, causing infections. The disease is transmitted by spores that are released together with feces. When infected people do not want hand wash and touch surfaces, they predispose more people who do not hand wash Guh et al. (2018). Therefore, C-diff is mainly spread by a fecal-oral route. Module 4 Research Paper -Clostridium Difficile
Oren et al. (2018) describe that the bacteria are usually diagnosed by confirming the presenting symptoms, and stool sample may be a confirmatory diagnosis. Patients with severe forms may be scheduled for sigmoidoscopy to assess for inflammation. The treatment of this infection is achieved through broad-spectrum antibiotics due to its nature of reinfection and the possibility of drug resistance. Some of the complications associated with this disease include toxic mega colon, kidney injury, and bowel perforation.
Prevention Measures
According to Oren et al., (2018), healthcare providers can prevent disease transmission through regular hand washing before and after any procedure, or contact with patients. Always consider using the appropriate personal protective equipment to reduce the risk of exposure. Such patients’ seclusion can prevent cross-infection between patients and even other health care workers.
References
Guh, A. Y., & Kutty, P. K. (2018). Clostridioides difficile infection. Annals of internal medicine, 169(7), ITC49-ITC64.
Oren, A., & Rupnik, M. (2018). Clostridium difficile and Clostridioides difficile: two validly published and correct names. Anaerobe, 52, 125-126.Module 4 Research Paper -Clostridium Difficile