The nurse is assessing a client in the emergency department. The client states, "I have been really sick with an infection and now I have this awful diarrhea." Which type of gastroenteritis does the nurse suspect?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Clostridium difficile (C. diff) is often associated with recent antibiotic use that disrupts the normal flora of the colon, leading to an overgrowth of C. diff bacteria. This can cause symptoms ranging from mild diarrhea to severe colitis. The client's statement about being "really sick with an infection" and now experiencing "awful diarrhea" suggests a history of antibiotic use, making C. diff a likely suspect.

The Nurse Is Assessing a Client in the Emergency Department