Final answer:
The nurse should expect the provider to prescribe metronidazole or vancomycin to treat the C. difficile infection.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse should expect the provider to prescribe either metronidazole or vancomycin to treat the C. difficile infection. Metronidazole is the preferred treatment if the C. difficile diagnosis has been confirmed. Vancomycin can also be used, but it should be reserved for patients for whom metronidazole was ineffective or who meet other criteria, such as being under 10 years of age, pregnant, or allergic to metronidazole.