Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary mechanism by which broad spectrum antibiotics contribute to a Clostridium difficile (C. diff) infection?
What is the primary mechanism by which broad spectrum antibiotics contribute to a Clostridium difficile (C. diff) infection?
- Causing inflammation that leads to increased C. diff replication.
- Disrupting normal gastrointestinal flora, allowing C. diff to overgrow. (correct)
- Suppressing the patient's immune response, making them susceptible to infection.
- Directly activating C. diff bacteria to produce toxins.
What is the most immediate action that should be taken by the nurse following suspicion of a C. diff infection?
What is the most immediate action that should be taken by the nurse following suspicion of a C. diff infection?
- Providing a clear liquid diet to manage vomiting and diarrhea.
- Immediately starting the patient on broad-spectrum antibiotics.
- Initiating contact precautions to prevent spread. (correct)
- Administering antidiarrheal medication to reduce symptoms.
What specific laboratory test is required to confirm a C. diff infection?
What specific laboratory test is required to confirm a C. diff infection?
- A blood culture to rule out sepsis from this infection.
- A stool culture to detect C. diff toxin. (correct)
- A urine analysis to check for signs of dehydration.
- A complete blood count to assess the inflammatory response.
Which of these clinical findings is the least likely to be associated with a C. diff infection?
Which of these clinical findings is the least likely to be associated with a C. diff infection?
During management of a patient with C. diff, which of these is the most critical lab value that the nurse should be monitoring?
During management of a patient with C. diff, which of these is the most critical lab value that the nurse should be monitoring?
Flashcards
How do broad-spectrum antibiotics affect gut bacteria?
How do broad-spectrum antibiotics affect gut bacteria?
Broad-spectrum antibiotics, such as cefepime, can disrupt the normal bacteria in the gut, allowing harmful bacteria like C. diff to grow unchecked.
What is C. diff?
What is C. diff?
A type of bacteria that can take over the gut when normal bacteria are disrupted, causing severe diarrhea.
What does C. diff toxin do?
What does C. diff toxin do?
C. diff releases a toxin that causes symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever.
How is C. diff infection confirmed?
How is C. diff infection confirmed?
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What measures are taken to prevent the spread of C. diff?
What measures are taken to prevent the spread of C. diff?
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Study Notes
Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea (C. diff)
- Broad-spectrum antibiotics (like cefepime) can disrupt the gut's natural bacteria, allowing Clostridium difficile (C. diff) to overgrow.
- C. diff produces toxins causing diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever.
- Confirmation of C. diff infection requires a stool culture testing for the toxin.
- Contact precautions are crucial to prevent transmission.
- Severe diarrhea can lead to significant fluid loss and dehydration.
- Nurses need to monitor serum potassium levels and intake/output.
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Description
Test your knowledge on antibiotic-associated diarrhea caused by C. difficile. This quiz covers the effects of broad-spectrum antibiotics, diagnosis methods, and important nursing precautions necessary for patient care. Ensure you understand the implications of C. diff infection and its management.
