Gastroenterology & Hepatology — Flashcards

Flashcard 531: Life threatening C. diff infections are indicated by findings such as: _____, ileus, toxic megacolon

Answer: hypotension

Flashcard 532: What is the diagnostic test for C. diff infection? _____

Answer: C. diff toxin stool test

Flashcard 533: Blood tests will often show _____ in C. diff infection

Answer: raised WCC

Flashcard 534: What is the management of first episode *C. difficile* infection? _____ & Oral Vancomycin (or Fidaxomicin) for 10 days

Answer: Stop inciting antibiotics

Extra: According to current IDSA/SHEA guidelines, both **Oral Vancomycin** (125 mg QID) and **Fidaxomicin** are preferred over Metronidazole for the first episode of C. diff, regardless of severity (non-severe vs. severe). Metronidazole is now only used if the others are unavailable.

Flashcard 535: What is the management of life-threatening C. diff? _____ & Oral vancomycin AND IV metronidazole

Answer: Stop current ABX if possible

Flashcard 536: C. diff bacteria produce an _____ which damages the intestines and can cause pseudomembranous colitis

Answer: exotoxin

Flashcard 537: C. diff will usually present with _____ and abdominal pain

Answer: diarrhoea

Flashcard 538: C. diff stool antigen testing shows _____

Answer: exposure to C. diff

Flashcard 539: Diarrhoea due to C. diff infection should resolve within _____ weeks

Answer: 1-2

Flashcard 540: Historically, it was thought that _____ was responsible for causing C. diff infections Currently the no. 1 cause of C. diff infections is 2nd and 3rd generation cephalosporins

Answer: Clindamycin