What it means
One of the CDC's transmission-based precautions. The client has a private room when possible, and staff wear a gown and gloves on entering the room and take them off before leaving. Equipment such as stethoscopes and blood pressure cuffs stays in the room or is cleaned before use on anyone else. They are used for germs such as MRSA, VRE, scabies and C. difficile.
For the nurse
For C. difficilesee dif-uh-SEELClostridioides difficile, a spore-forming bacterium that can infect the colon (the large intestine).Full entry , wash hands with soap and water, because alcohol hand rub does not kill its spores, and clean the room with a product that does. Teach visitors how to put on and take off a gown and gloves.
At a glance
| Also written | contact precaution, contact isolation |
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Related terms
C. difficile
Clostridioides difficile, a spore-forming bacterium that can infect the colon (the large intestine).
MRSA
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, a staph bacterium that many common antibiotics cannot kill.
precaution
A step taken ahead of time to prevent harm, such as the infection-control practices used with every client.
hand hygiene
Cleaning the hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.
standard precautions
The basic infection-control practices used with every client, whether or not an infection is known.