Which glove type should be utilized during care for a client with Clostridium difficile?

The appropriate type of gloves to utilize during care for a client with Clostridium difficile is non-sterile gloves. This is because Clostridium difficile (often referred to as C. diff) is associated with infections that can spread via spores found in fecal matter. When providing care for a patient with such an infection, the primary concern is preventing the transmission of the bacteria rather than maintaining a sterile environment.

Non-sterile gloves are adequate for this purpose, as they allow for effective hand protection while providing care, particularly when contact with potential contaminants, like stool, is likely. Additionally, non-sterile gloves are more readily available and easier to use in situations where frequent changes are necessary.

Using disposable sterile gloves is not typically required in this scenario because the goal is to prevent the spread of infection through standard practice, not to maintain a sterile field. Reusable gloves are not recommended because they may not provide adequate protection against the spores and are harder to decontaminate. Latex gloves can cause allergic reactions in some patients or healthcare providers, and more importantly, they might not be the best choice given the infection control guidelines which often recommend alternatives, like nitrile or vinyl gloves, especially in settings with a high risk of exposure to pathogens