A patient is admitted to the hospital with severe diarrhea. Upon exam, the patient is found to be severely dehydrated. She is given IV fluids to correct the hydration. In the assessment, the physician suspects gastroenteritis. After stool cultures, it is determined that the patient has Clostridium difficile colitis.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's symptoms of severe diarrhea and Clostridium difficile colitis are consistent with the diagnosis of infectious gastroenteritis caused by Clostridium difficile (A04.7). The patient's dehydration also resulted in an electrolyte imbalance (E86.0) due to fluid loss. The symptom of severe diarrhea can be coded as unspecified diarrhea (R19.7). Therefore, the correct codes are A04.7 and E86.0.

A Patient Is Admitted to the Hospital with Severe Diarrhea