Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

Metronidazole is indicated for the treatment of mild Clostridium difficile colitis due to its effectiveness against the anaerobic bacteria that cause this infection. The prescribed dosage of 500 mg taken orally three times a day for 10 days is a standard and recommended treatment protocol. In cases of mild C. difficile infection, metronidazole acts by disrupting the DNA of the bacteria, effectively combating the infection while allowing the gut flora to recover. The treatment guidelines prioritize metronidazole for initial episodes of mild to moderate C. difficile colitis, reflecting its proven efficacy and safety profile in managing this particular type of gastrointestinal infection. Other antibiotics listed are not suitable for this condition. For example, ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin are fluoroquinolones, primarily effective against aerobic bacteria and not specifically indicated for C. difficile. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole is also not appropriate as it targets different types of infections and does not possess the necessary spectrum of activity against C. difficile. Therefore, metronidazole stands out as the correct choice for mild cases of C. difficile colitis.