What type of precautions should a nurse suggest for a client with a Clostridium difficile infection?

Contact precautions are the appropriate measures for a client with a Clostridium difficile infection. This infection is primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route, meaning that it can spread through direct contact with contaminated surfaces or hands. Therefore, implementing contact precautions helps minimize the risk of transmission to healthcare workers and other patients.

Nurses should encourage hand hygiene with soap and water, as alcohol-based hand sanitizers are not effective against C. difficile spores. Additionally, the use of gloves and gowns is crucial when entering the room of a patient with this infection to prevent contamination of the healthcare provider's clothing and skin.

Recognizing the importance of these precautions aids in controlling the spread of C. difficile in healthcare settings, protecting vulnerable patients from possible outbreaks, and ensuring effective care for the infected individual.