What is the priority intervention for a client who tests positive for C. diff?

The priority intervention for a client who tests positive for Clostridium difficile (C. diff) is placing the client on contact precautions. This measure is crucial as C. diff is highly contagious and can be spread via spores that survive on surfaces and hands. Contact precautions help prevent the transmission of the bacteria to other patients, healthcare workers, and visitors in the healthcare setting.

When a patient is confirmed to have a C. diff infection, it is essential to isolate them to minimize the risk of spreading the infection to others. This includes using personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gowns and gloves when interacting with the patient and ensuring that proper hand hygiene is maintained, particularly washing hands with soap and water, as alcohol-based sanitizers may not effectively eliminate C. diff spores.

While other options, such as monitoring vital signs or encouraging fluid intake, are also important aspects of a comprehensive care plan, they do not address the immediate need to prevent the spread of this infectious disease, making contact precautions the top priority in managing a patient with a positive C. diff test. Administering oral antibiotics has a role in treatment but may not be the first step, as antibiotic therapy can vary based on clinical guidelines and the severity of the infection.