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:

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.

Choice A reason:

This is an incorrect answer because cardiogenic shock is a severe form of heart failure that occurs when the heart cannot pump enough blood to maintain adequate tissue perfusion and oxygenation, resulting in hypotension, tachycardia, oliguria, altered mental status, and cold and clammy skin.

Choice B reason:

This is an incorrect answer because pulmonary embolism is a condition in which a blood clot travels to the lungs and blocks one or more pulmonary arteries, causing sudden dyspnea, chest pain, hemoptysis, tachypnea, and hypoxia.

Choice C reason:

This is a correct answer because right-sided heart failure occurs when the right ventricle of the heart fails to pump blood effectively to the lungs, causing blood to back up in the systemic circulation and leading to fluid accumulation in the lungs, neck veins, and extremities.

Choice D reason:

This is an incorrect answer because left-sided heart failure occurs when the left ventricle of the heart fails to pump blood effectively to the body, causing blood to back up in the pulmonary circulation and leading to pulmonary congestion, dyspnea, orthopnea, coughing, and fatigue.