skip to main content

Antibiotic-associated diarrhoea red flags — GPhC CRA MCQ

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

HardGastro-intestinal TherapeuticsAntibiotic-associated diarrhoea red flagsGPhC CRA

A 42-year-old woman asks for loperamide after 2 days of diarrhoea. She has recently completed clindamycin, has abdominal cramping and reports blood-stained stools. Her temperature is 38.2°C. What is the most appropriate action?

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

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B — Do not supply loperamide and refer for same-day medical assessment

Recent broad-spectrum antibiotic exposure, fever and blood-stained stools raise concern for infective colitis, including Clostridioides difficile. Antimotility medicines such as loperamide may be harmful in dysentery or suspected colitis. Same-day medical assessment is appropriate. Symptomatic treatment alone would risk delaying diagnosis and treatment.

Reference: BNF; NICE CKS Diarrhoea