Sim Lab

Question 1

mild vs. severe c. diff infection

Answer 1

greater than 15000 WBC count = severe

treat mild with metronidazole
treat severe or recurrent with vancomycin

Question 2

what electrolyte is lost potentially in diarrhea?

Answer 2

potassium

GI can cause hypokalemia

lasix in pt didnt help (not K sparing)

Question 3

what would you hear with auscultation of diarrhea?

Answer 3

hyperactive bowel sounds

Question 4

c. diff vs. e. coli diarrhea

Answer 4

both watery and lots

c. diff has characteristic foul smell
e. coli has blood

Question 5

immodium helpful in c. diff infection?

Answer 5

no - not helpful because getting it out is a good thing

Question 6

major complication of c. diff

Answer 6

toxic megacolon - seen on xray or CT

Question 7

proper handwashing technique for c. diff

Answer 7

soap and water/ clean with bleach products

hand sanitizers/ alcohol based do not work on c. diff spores