Which of the following is a benefit of reducing broad-spectrum antibiotic use?

Reducing the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics has several important benefits, one of which is the reduced incidence of Clostridium difficile infections. Broad-spectrum antibiotics can disrupt the normal flora of the gut, allowing opportunistic pathogens such as Clostridium difficile to thrive. This can result in gastrointestinal complications, including diarrhea and more severe forms of colitis.

By limiting the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics and promoting more targeted therapies, the risk of disrupting the gut microbiome is minimized. This helps maintain the balance of beneficial microorganisms in the gut, thereby lowering the likelihood of Clostridium difficile overgrowth and the subsequent infections that can occur as a result.

The other choices represent outcomes that are typically not desirable or are a consequence of inappropriate antibiotic stewardship. For instance, reducing broad-spectrum antibiotic use is intended to combat the rise of resistant pathogens, lower treatment costs, and shorten hospital stays, rather than prolong them.