Question

During the course of antibiotic therapy, the amount of normal body flora is reduced in the gastrointestinal tract. Which client instruction is important to prevent the complications due to reduced body flora?

A) Avoiding hand hygiene
B) Increasing fiber intake
C) Consuming probiotics
D) Limiting fluid intake

Answer 1

To prevent complications from reduced body flora during antibiotic therapy, consuming probiotics is essential as this helps restore the natural gut microbiome.

Step-by-step explanation:

During antibiotic therapy, to prevent complications due to reduced body flora in the gastrointestinal tract, the important client instruction is consuming probiotics. Antibiotics can disturb the natural balance of the gut microbiome, leading to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria like Clostridium difficile, and result in conditions such as antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Probiotics can help restore the balance of the intestinal microbial community and prevent such complications. Additionally, ensuring practices like frequent hand washing can also help prevent the spread of pathogens.