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

Which of the following is not recommended in the treatment of C. difficile infection?

1. Oral antibiotics

2. Bulking agents

3. Probiotics

4. Antidiarrheal medications

The correct answer is: Bulking agents

The use of bulking agents is not recommended in the treatment of Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) infection because their primary function is to absorb water and form bulk in the intestines, which may not address the underlying infection. In fact, bulking agents can potentially worsen symptoms by forming a bulky stool that may not effectively clear the infection. When managing C. difficile infection, the focus is on specific antibiotics that target the bacteria and supportive care to manage symptoms, particularly diarrhea. Oral antibiotics are a standard treatment strategy for C. difficile, as they directly target the infection and help in resolving symptoms. Probiotics may be considered to restore healthy gut flora, although their use is more controversial and should be approached with caution. Antidiarrheal medications can be problematic as they might impede the clearing of the infection and potentially increase the risk of toxic megacolon or bowel perforation, but they may be used judiciously in certain situations under clinical supervision. In summary, the recommendation against bulking agents stems from their ineffectiveness in treating the infection and potential for exacerbating symptoms.