skip to main content

Clostridioides difficile colitis — SCE Acute Medicine MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

ModerateSepsis and Infectious EmergenciesClostridioides difficile colitisSCE Acute Medicine

A 84-year-old woman is assessed on the acute medical unit. She develops profuse diarrhoea after co-amoxiclav. White cell count is 24 x10^9/L, creatinine has doubled and abdomen is tender. Initial assessment includes relevant observations, bedside tests and urgent blood results. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B — Clostridioides difficile colitis

Clostridioides difficile colitis is the best answer because recent antibiotic exposure with severe diarrhoea, leucocytosis and AKI is most consistent with C. difficile colitis. Toxic shock syndrome is plausible, but it is less appropriate for the physiology or timing described in this stem. The other distractors either fit a neighbouring presentation, delay definitive treatment, or miss the key immediate risk. Clinical pearl: Assess severity because fulminant disease needs escalation and surgical awareness.

Reference: NICE NG199