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Antibiotic-associated colitis — GPhC CRA MCQ

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HardInfectionsAntibiotic-associated colitisGPhC CRA

A 66-year-old woman finished clindamycin for dental infection 6 days ago. She now has watery diarrhoea eight times daily, lower abdominal pain and temperature 38.1°C. She takes omeprazole and has recently been in hospital. What is the most appropriate action?

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Correct answer: D — Refer urgently for assessment of possible Clostridioides difficile infection

Recent clindamycin exposure, hospital contact, PPI use, fever and frequent watery diarrhoea raise concern for C. difficile infection. Antimotility treatment may worsen outcomes and should not delay assessment. Restarting clindamycin is inappropriate. Urgent clinical review and stool testing are needed.

Reference: NICE CKS Diarrhoea - antibiotic associated; BNF