Question

20.The nurse is assisting with teaching a patient who has been placed on metronidazole (Flagyl) for bacterial vaginosis. What instruction by the nurse is appropriate?

a. Take the Flagyl whenever you feel vaginal itching or irritation.
b. Take the Flagyl until the discharge is gone for at least 24 hours.
c. Take the Flagyl as prescribed, even if your symptoms are gone.
d. You will need to take Flagyl for an extended period. This prescription has several refills.

Answer 1

The appropriate nurse instruction is to take metronidazole as prescribed, even if symptoms disappear, to ensure the infection is fully treated and to avoid antibiotic resistance.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct instruction by the nurse for a patient on metronidazole (Flagyl) for bacterial vaginosis is to take the Flagyl as prescribed, even if the symptoms disappear before the course is complete. This ensures the infection is fully treated and reduces the risk of developing antibiotic resistance. It is important to complete the full course of treatment to prevent the infection from returning and to decrease the risk of developing drug-resistant bacteria.

Metronidazole is an effective treatment for various bacterial infections including bacterial vaginosis, giardiasis, and trichomoniasis. It works by disrupting the DNA and inhibiting nucleic acid synthesis in the microorganisms, leading to their death. In the case of bacterial vaginosis, alternative treatments may include topical or oral clindamycin or oral tinidazole.

The misuse or incomplete course of antibiotics can lead to resistance, making it harder to treat infections in the future. Hence, patients must adhere to their prescribed antibiotics regimen, even after feeling better.