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Multiple Choice
During some types of antibiotic treatments, patients often experience diarrhea because __________.
A
antibiotics are toxic to the colon's epithelium and to bacteria
B
antibiotics interfere with the vitamin absorption normally occurring within the large intestine
C
after intestinal bacteria have been killed, an unusually large amount of water is reabsorbed
D
antibiotics affect the hormones that control intestinal peristalsis
E
the microbiome of the large intestine that normally breaks down undigested organic material is killed by the antibiotics
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of the microbiome in the large intestine: The large intestine hosts a diverse community of bacteria that play a crucial role in breaking down undigested organic material and aiding in the absorption of nutrients and water.
Recognize the impact of antibiotics: Antibiotics are designed to kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria. While they target harmful bacteria causing infections, they can also affect beneficial bacteria in the gut.
Identify the consequence of disrupting the microbiome: When antibiotics kill the beneficial bacteria in the large intestine, the normal breakdown of undigested material is disrupted. This can lead to an imbalance in the gut environment.
Connect the disruption to diarrhea: The imbalance caused by the loss of beneficial bacteria can result in improper absorption of water and nutrients, leading to diarrhea as the body attempts to expel the excess water and undigested material.
Conclude with the correct explanation: The correct answer is that the microbiome of the large intestine, which normally breaks down undigested organic material, is killed by the antibiotics, leading to diarrhea.