Page 11 - UNC MC Assistive Personnel Orientation Manual 2020
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Preventing the spread of Clostridium Difficile (C. diff) at UNC Health Care
C. diff is a bacteria that can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, cramping, and fever and its
complications include toxic megacolon, colon perforation, and even death
In hospitals, it can be spread by inadequate hand hygiene or through contact with
inadequately cleaned patient equipment
Follow Enteric Precautions (wear gown and gloves with patient care and perform hand
hygiene with soap and water after patient care) and remind families and guests to do
the same
Equipment from
Enteric Precautions
rooms must be
cleaned with bleach
Sani-Cloths
Clean Equipment coming out of a
room with this sign on the door
with bleach Sani-Cloths.
Wash hands with soap and
water.
Clean items that come into
contact with patient or patient’s
environment with bleach.
Family members must wear
gown and gloves while in room
Family members must wash
hands with soap and water when
leaving the room.
Can the patient walk outside of their room?
Only in the hallways of the unit in which they are a patient if…………..
They have finished their antibiotic therapy and are continent of stool and asymptomatic.
They put on a “new” clean hospital gown or clean clothing before leaving their room.
They wash their hands with soap and water before leaving their room.
They are instructed by health care providers on infection prevention, including not
touching objects in the hallway, surfaces in the hallway, or other patients.
They remain only on the hallways of their unit and do not enter any common areas,
including waiting rooms, nutrition areas, or nursing stations.
Pediatric Patients
Pediatric patients unable to follow requirements may be accompanied by a health care
provider or a primary caregiver who is compliant with the requirements.
Note: Diapered infants or children are NOT considered continent of stool.
Nursing Practice and Professional Development / Assistive Personnel Orientation 2020 Page 11
