23rd January 2024

An 82-year-old female inpatient with Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea becomes hypotensive and tachycardi

An 82-year-old female inpatient with Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea becomes hypotensive and tachycardic. Although she had been previously having about 9 bowel movements of type 7 stool a day, she has had no bowel movements over the last day. She reports feeling increasingly nauseous. She has no significant past medical or family history. On examination, her abdomen is diffusely tender and distended.

Which of the following is the most likely underlying diagnosis?

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