23rd January 2024

A 77-year-old male, who is a nursing home resident, develops diarrhoea

A 77-year-old male, who is a nursing home resident, develops diarrhoea. He has been unable to see his friends at the nursing home as they were both recently diagnosed with Clostridium difficile infections and have been isolated. His past medical history includes hypertension and asthma, for which he takes medications. He has no significant family or social history. On examination, he demonstrates no abdominal tenderness and he is haemodynamically stable. A stool sample has been taken already.

Which of the following is the most appropriate initial investigation for the purposes of determining treatment?

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