Question

In an effort to prevent superinfections of the gastrointestinal tract (e.g., from Clostridium difficile), the nurse will instruct patients to eat which foods?

a. Multigrain foods
b. Raw fruits and vegetables
c. Cultured dairy products such as yogurt
d. Low-fat meats such as chicken and pork

Answer 1

To prevent gastrointestinal superinfections like those caused by C. difficile, patients should consume cultured dairy products such as yogurt, which contain probiotics (c). Antibiotics, such as metronidazole, or fecal transplants can treat existing infections by restoring the normal gut flora.

Step-by-step explanation:

To prevent superinfections in the gastrointestinal tract, such as those caused by Clostridium difficile, the nurse will advise patients to consume cultured dairy products such as yogurt. These products contain probiotics that can help maintain or restore a healthy balance of gut bacteria, which can be disrupted by the use of antibiotics. It's important to avoid further antibiotic use unless necessary, as this can exacerbate the problem by killing beneficial bacteria and allowing C. difficile to flourish.

For individuals with excessive C. difficile in their digestive system, possible treatments include taking specific antibiotics like metronidazole or having a fecal transplant from a healthy donor to restore the microbial intestinal community. Treatment protocols are focused on re-establishing the normal flora of the microbiome, which provides colonization resistance against pathogens like C. difficile.