American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Certification Practice Test

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Prepare for the AACN Certification Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question comes with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

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What is the role of metronidazole in the treatment of C. difficile infection?

First-line oral treatment
Second-line treatment
Only for recurrent infections
Not recommended at all

The correct answer is: Second-line treatment

Metronidazole is recognized as a second-line treatment for Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). This classification stems from evolving clinical guidelines and evidence that have established vancomycin as the first-line therapy, particularly for moderate to severe cases of CDI. Metronidazole can still be effective, particularly in mild cases, but it has been shown to have a higher rate of treatment failure and recurrence compared to vancomycin. Furthermore, its role has shifted as more studies highlight the increased efficacy of vancomycin. Therefore, while metronidazole can be used in CDI management, especially where vancomycin is unavailable or as an alternative in specific situations, its status as a second-line drug reflects the current preferences and guidelines for optimizing patient outcomes in CDI treatment. The other options available do not accurately capture the clinical usage of metronidazole in this context, as it is indeed utilized but not as the primary choice in the treatment landscape.