22nd July 2023

An 82-year-old woman is on the respiratory ward where she was admitted 28 days ago for an infective exacerbation of COPD

An 82-year-old woman is on the respiratory ward where she was admitted 28 days ago for an infective exacerbation of COPD. During her admission, she developed Clostridium difficile infection with evidence of pseudomembranous colitis on a CT scan. She was treated with a 10-day course of oral vancomycin, following which her symptoms fully resolved, and repeat stool testing for Clostridium difficile toxin 6 days ago was normal. She is planned for discharge home however, whilst awaiting a step down bed, she has a recurrence of pungent diarrhoea and abdominal cramping. Repeat stool samples are positive for Clostridium difficile toxin.

What is the most appropriate management of this patient?

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.