The nurse is talking to a neighbor who spent 3 days in the hospital on intravenous antibiotics including erythromycin the week before. The individual states, "I've had such bad diarrhea all night and it really isn't any better today." Which of the following statements by the nurse is best?
A) "Are you taking any oral antibiotics now?"
B) "Antibiotics commonly cause diarrhea; be sure to drink plenty of fluids."
C) "Have you noticed any blood or pus in the stool?"
D) "Is anyone else in the family experiencing the same symptoms?"

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Antibiotic use, especially broad-spectrum antibiotics like erythromycin, can disrupt the normal gut flora and potentially lead to Clostridium difficile infection, which can cause severe diarrhea, often with blood or pus in the stool. This is a more serious condition that requires medical attention, making it the best question to ask first.

The Nurse Is Talking to a Neighbor Who Spent 3