K.N.O.W. Home Health - CLOSTRIDIUM DIFFICILE (C-DIFF)

CLOSTRIDIUM DIFFICILE (C-DIFF)

What is Clostridium difficile?

Clostridium difficile, or C. diff, is a kind of bacteria (germ) that can make you very sick. It mainly affects your digestive system and causes diarrhea and stomach pain.

What Causes C. diff?

C. diff is often caused by taking antibiotics. Antibiotics are medicines used to treat infections. But sometimes, they kill the good bacteria in your gut that help keep you healthy. This gives C. diff a chance to grow and make you sick.

How Does C. diff Spread?

C. diff spreads from person to person. It can live on things like toilets, bedrails, doorknobs, and other surfaces. If someone touches something dirty with C. diff germs and then touches their mouth, they can get sick.

Risks of Transmission

You can get C. diff if:

You’ve recently taken antibiotics.
You stay in hospitals or nursing homes.
You have a weak immune system.
You don’t wash your hands well.

How to Prevent Transmission

Wash your hands with soap and water after using the bathroom and before eating.
Do not rely on hand sanitizer alone—it does not kill C. diff.
Clean surfaces often, especially in the bathroom and kitchen.
If you are sick with C. diff, avoid preparing food for others.
Caregivers should wear gloves and wash hands carefully after helping you.

Symptoms of C. diff

Watery diarrhea (3 or more times a day)
Belly cramping or pain
Fever
Nausea (feeling like you might throw up)
Loss of appetite
Dehydration (feeling dry or thirsty)

Risks of C. diff

Severe dehydration
Kidney problems
Damage to your colon
Dangerous infection in the belly
Death (in severe cases, especially in older adults)

Diet Considerations

Eat bland, low-fiber foods while recovering, like:
- Applesauce
- Toast
- Rice
- Bananas
Drink plenty of fluids like water or electrolyte drinks to stay hydrated.
Avoid spicy, greasy, or high-fiber foods until you feel better.

Special Precautions

Do not share towels, cups, or eating utensils.
Flush the toilet with the lid down.
Wash hands after every trip to the bathroom.
Take all medications exactly as prescribed.

When to Call Your Home Health Nurse or Doctor

Call your nurse or doctor if:

You have diarrhea for more than 2 days.
You have belly pain or cramping that doesn’t go away.
You feel dizzy, weak, or have a fever.
You start feeling worse even while on medicine.

When to Go to the Emergency Room

Go to the ER right away if:

You can’t stop having diarrhea.
You see blood in your stool.
Your belly is swollen or very painful.
You feel confused, very sleepy, or pass out.

PATIENT HOMEWORK/ASSESSMENT PLEASE CORRECT ALL FALSE STATEMENTS

True or False: Clostridium difficile is a type of bacteria that can cause diarrhea.
True or False: C. diff is usually caused by eating spicy food.
True or False: Antibiotics can kill good bacteria and cause C. diff to grow.
True or False: Hand sanitizer is the best way to kill C. diff.
True or False: You should always wash your hands with soap and water after using the bathroom.
True or False: C. diff spreads easily on surfaces like doorknobs and toilets.
True or False: You can’t get C. diff from someone else.
True or False: Fever, belly pain, and watery diarrhea are symptoms of C. diff.
True or False: It’s okay to cook for others when you have C. diff.
True or False: You should drink a lot of fluids if you have diarrhea.
True or False: Bland foods like rice and applesauce are good for people recovering from C. diff.
True or False: C. diff can sometimes cause serious problems like dehydration or damage to your colon.
True or False: You should take your medicine exactly the way your doctor tells you.
True or False: C. diff only affects people in hospitals.
True or False: You should call your nurse or doctor if you have belly pain that doesn’t go away.
True or False: Going to the emergency room is never needed with C. diff.
True or False: Washing your hands is more important than cleaning the bathroom.
True or False: You can help prevent spreading C. diff by not sharing towels and cups.
True or False: You should go to the ER if your belly is swollen or very painful.
True or False: C. diff is a minor illness and never causes serious health problems.

ASSESSMENT of WELL-BEING INDIVIDUALIZED PATIENT HOMEWORK

Symptom Identification: Have you noticed frequent diarrhea, abdominal cramping, or a fever, and how severe are these symptoms?

Activity Impact / Safety: How have your bowel symptoms affected your ability to carry out daily activities, such as eating, walking, or attending work/school, and are you able to stay hydrated safely?

Treatment Adherence: Are you taking your prescribed antibiotics or other treatments exactly as instructed, and have you noticed any improvement in your symptoms?

Preventive Measures: What steps are you taking to prevent spreading C. diff to others, such as handwashing, cleaning surfaces, or avoiding certain medications that can worsen symptoms?