What action should a nurse take after contact with infectious material while caring for a client with C. Diff?

After contact with infectious material while caring for a client with Clostridioides difficile (C. Diff), changing gloves is essential to prevent the spread of the infection. C. Diff is known for its resilience and ability to survive on surfaces, and proper infection control measures are crucial in a healthcare setting.

By changing gloves, the nurse minimizes the risk of transferring spores to other surfaces or clients. It is a vital step to maintain a safe environment for both the healthcare worker and other patients. Additionally, it supports the broader infection control protocols that focus on using protective equipment effectively.

Although washing hands thoroughly with soap is also important and recommended, especially after removing gloves, the immediate action of changing gloves comes first in the sequence of infection control practices. Monitoring vital signs and administering antibiotics could be relevant in the overall care for a patient with C. Diff, but they do not directly address the immediate risk of infection transmission associated with handling infectious materials.