30719 Clostridium difficile Infection

Course overview

Discussion of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), including risk factors, modes of transmission and patient care activities in which it may be easily spread, precautions that should be taken when caring for individuals with CDI, and testing guidelines and treatment options for individuals. CDI is a significant healthcare concern in the United States, and has become the most common cause of healthcare associated infections in U.S. hospitals. While C. difficile is most commonly seen in hospital and long-term care settings, studies have shown that CDI is becoming increasingly common in populations traditionally not considered to be high-risk. CDI can be easily transmitted between individuals in healthcare settings, and because nurses are often at the forefront of bedside nursing care, they must be aware of the implications that CDI may have on nursing care and treatment. This program discusses CDI in healthcare settings, including risk factors, transmission, testing, treatment, prevention, and implications for nursing care.