Question

Risk factors for pseudomembranous colitis in the elderly caused by Clostridium difficile include all of the following except:

a) Recent antimicrobial use.
b) Recent hospitalization.
c) Close contact with a child in day care.
d) Use of a proton pump inhibitor (PPI).

Answer 1

The risk factors for pseudomembranous colitis caused by Clostridium difficile are recent antimicrobial use, recent hospitalization, and use of proton pump inhibitors, but NOT close contact with a child in day care.

Step-by-step explanation:

The risk factors for pseudomembranous colitis in the elderly caused by Clostridium difficile include a recent antimicrobial use, recent hospitalization, and the use of a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). These factors are associated with an increased risk of infection because they can disrupt the normal gut microbiota, allowing C. difficile, a gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium, to flourish and cause severe colitis and diarrhea.

However, close contact with a child in day care is not a recognized risk factor for pseudomembranous colitis in the elderly. Therefore, the correct option is 'c) Close contact with a child in day care' which is not a risk factor for this condition.