Question

the nurse is caring for a patient with clostridium difficile. which action is priority?
use alcohol - based hand sanitizers frequently
wash hands with soap and water
keep fingernails short
avoid artificial nails

Explanation:

Clostridium difficile spores are not killed by alcohol-based sanitizers. The priority infection control measure to prevent transmission is mechanical removal of spores via soap and water handwashing, which disrupts and washes away the resilient spores. The other options are secondary hand hygiene practices but not the priority for this pathogen.

Answer:

Wash hands with soap and water