An 87-year-old male nursing home resident is currently undergoing antibiotic therapy for the treatment of a decubitus ulcer. One week into the treatment course, he experiences several episodes of watery diarrhea. Subsequent sigmoidoscopy demonstrates the presence of diffuse yellow plaques on the mucosa of the sigmoid colon. Which of the following is the best choice of treatment for this patient?
AIntravenous vancomycin
BIntravenous gentamicin
COral metronidazole
DOral trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole
EOral morphine
On the 4th day of hospital admission due to pneumonia, a 69-year-old woman develops non-bloody diarrhea and abdominal pain. She is currently treated with ceftriaxone. Despite the resolution of fever after the first 2 days of admission, her temperature is now 38.5°C (101.3°F). On physical examination, she has mild generalized abdominal tenderness without abdominal guarding or rebound tenderness. Laboratory studies show re-elevation of leukocyte counts. Ceftriaxone is discontinued. Given the most likely diagnosis in this patient, which of the following is the most sensitive test?
ANucleic acid amplification test
BStool culture for bacterial isolation and toxin presence
CEnzyme immunoassay glutamate dehydrogenase
DGram stain of stool sample
EEndoscopy
A 42-year-old man with hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus is admitted to the hospital because of swelling and redness of the left leg for 3 days. He has chills and malaise. He is treated with intravenous clindamycin for 7 days. On the 8th day at the hospital, he has profuse, foul-smelling, and watery diarrhea. He has nausea and intermittent abdominal cramping. His temperature is 38°C (100.4°F), pulse is 97/min, and blood pressure is 110/78 mm Hg. Bowel sounds are hyperactive. Abdominal examination shows mild tenderness in the left lower quadrant. Rectal examination shows no abnormalities. His hemoglobin concentration is 14.3 g/dL, leukocyte count is 12,300/mm3, and C-reactive protein concentration is 62 mg/L (N=0.08–3.1). After discontinuing clindamycin, which of the following is the most appropriate pharmacotherapy for this patient's condition?
AIntravenous vancomycin
BOral fidaxomicin
CIntravenous metronidazole
DOral metronidazole
EOral rifaximin
+ 7 more in the PDF
Browse all chapters