Clostridium Difficile

Author

Ryan OsbornFollow

Academic Term

2017

Document Type

Project

Course Number

NURS 5330

Course Name

Advanced Pathophysiology

Professor’s Name

John Chovan, Sue Butz, Jim Cacchillo

Keywords

C Difficile, Infection, Pathophysiology, Antibiotics, Intestinal microbiota, Watery stools

Subject Categories

Bacteria | Medical Pathology | Medicine and Health Sciences | Nursing

Abstract

Clostridium Difficile infection (CDI) is an antibiotic resistant bacterium that is widely recognized and currently noted to be the "most common and costly healthcare associated infection in the United States" (Abt, McKenney & Pamer, 2016). The topic of CDI is important to discuss, as this infection can attack all patient populations especially those following antibiotic treatment. A disruption in a person's intestinal microbiota is known to place them at higher risk for CDI (Abt, McKenney & Pamer, 2016). Becoming infected with this bacterium leads to symptoms of diarrhea, bloating, belly pain, and occasionally fevers. The growing prevalence, antibiotic resistance associated with this bacterium, increased associated healthcare costs, high rates of re-occurrence, high rates of healthcare associated cases and high rates of mortality make it a significant current problem facing the profession of medicine today. Being aware of the importance of early recognition and treatment along with understanding the underlying pathophysiology involved with this infection can help healthcare providers practice in a way that is evidenced based and accurate, thus, limiting the complications associated with advanced CDI.

Recommended Citation

Osborn, Ryan, "Clostridium Difficile" (2017). Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN). 219.
https://digitalcommons.otterbein.edu/stu_msn/219