Overview
Introduction
Frequent watery diarrhea during or after antibacterial therapy raises concern for CDI, but the priority is broader than naming the organism.
Frequent watery diarrhea during or after antibacterial therapy raises concern for CDI, but the priority is broader than naming the organism. Toxin-mediated colitis can turn stool losses into hypovolemia, acute kidney injury, ileus, toxic megacolon, or shock. Management joins four decisions: confirm symptomatic infection, stop an inciting antibacterial when the prescriber determines that is safe, give the correct CDI-directed therapy, and prevent spore transmission. The US LPN/LVN contributes by collecting focused data, carrying out ordered precautions and medications within the state-authorized role, trending response, reinforcing teaching, and promptly reporting deterioration to the supervising RN or provider.