Psittacosis — SCE Infectious Diseases MCQ
Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.
Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.
Reveal the answer and explanation
Correct answer: A — Enteral vancomycin 500 mg QDS plus IV metronidazole 500 mg TDS, adding rectal vancomycin if ileus limits delivery
Explanation lettering: D = shown as A · A = shown as C · E = shown as D · C = shown as E
D is correct. Life-threatening CDI needs urgent specialist and surgical input; NICE lists high-dose enteral vancomycin plus IV metronidazole, with rectal vancomycin considered when ileus impairs delivery. A and B are non-fulminant pathways. C uses an unreliable enteral route and inadequate regimen in ileus. E bypasses immediate antimicrobial and surgical management of toxic megacolon.
Reference: NICE NG199: C. difficile infection antimicrobial prescribing: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng199/chapter/Recommendations