A 16-year-old sexually active female diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis was treated with oral metronidazole (Flagyl) for 7 days. Patient education instructions should include:

Rationale: A. While taking metronidazole with food may help reduce gastrointestinal upset, the most critical instruction relates to preventing reinfection and complications. B. Doubling doses after a missed dose is not recommended; the patient should follow standard dosing schedules. C. Sexual intercourse should be avoided until the full course of metronidazole is completed to prevent reinfection and ensure effective treatment of bacterial vaginosis. D. The medication should be taken for the full prescribed 7-day course, even if symptoms resolve earlier, to prevent recurrence and ensure complete eradication of the infection.