A nurse is caring for a client who has an infection caused by Candida albicans. The nurse understands that this microorganism belongs to what group of microorganisms?

Choice A reason:

Vascular stage is the stage of inflammation that involves the changes in blood flow and vascular permeability at the site of injury or infection. It manifests as redness and warmth due to vasodilation and increased blood flow, and swelling due to fluid leakage from the vessels into the interstitial space.

Choice B reason:

Cellular stage is the stage of inflammation that involves the migration of white blood cells from the vessels into the tissues to eliminate the causative agent and remove the damaged tissue. It manifests as pain due to the release of chemical mediators that stimulate nerve endings, and purulent drainage due to the accumulation of dead cells and microorganisms.

Choice D reason:

Resolution stage is the stage of inflammation that involves the restoration of normal tissue structure and function after the elimination of the causative agent and the removal of the damaged tissue. It manifests as decreased redness, warmth, swelling, pain, and drainage due to the cessation of inflammatory response.

Choice A reason:

Bacteria are microorganisms that have a cell wall composed of peptidoglycan and a cell membrane composed of phospholipids. They can be classified by their shape (cocci or bacilli), their Gram stain (positive or negative), or their oxygen requirement (aerobic or anaerobic).

Choice B reason:

Viruses are microorganisms that have a nucleic acid core (DNA or RNA) surrounded by a protein coat (capsid) and sometimes an envelope derived from the host cell membrane. They can only replicate inside living cells and cause various diseases such as influenza, herpes, hepatitis, or AIDS.

Choice C reason:

Fungi are microorganisms that have a cell wall composed of chitin and a cell membrane composed of ergosterol. They can exist as yeasts or molds depending on the environmental conditions. Candida albicans is an example of fungi that can cause infections such as thrush, vaginitis, or systemic candidiasis.

Choice D reason:

Parasites are microorganisms that live on or in another organism (host) and derive nutrients from it. They can be classified by their size (protozoa or helminths) or their mode of transmission (vector-borne or direct contact). They can cause infections such as malaria, giardiasis, or schistosomiasis.