skip to main content

Traveller's diarrhoea red flags — GPhC CRA MCQ

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

ModerateGI TherapeuticsTraveller's diarrhoea red flagsGPhC CRA

A 50-year-old man asks for loperamide for diarrhoea after returning from travel. He has fever, severe abdominal pain and has passed six watery stools with mucus today. What would you advise the patient?

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

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B — Avoid loperamide and seek medical assessment because invasive infection is possible

Fever, severe abdominal pain and mucus suggest invasive or inflammatory diarrhoea, where antimotility medicines may be harmful. Medical assessment is needed, particularly after travel. Oral rehydration is appropriate to prevent dehydration. Codeine or excessive loperamide would increase adverse effects and may worsen the clinical course.

Reference: NICE CKS Diarrhoea and vomiting; BNF