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

Choice A reason:

Atrophy is a decrease in cell size or number in response to adverse stimuli, such as disuse, ischemia, or malnutrition. It does not increase the risk of cancer, but it can impair the function of tissues and organs.

Choice B reason:

Hypertrophy is an increase in cell size in response to normal or abnormal stimuli, such as exercise, hormones, or hypertension. It does not increase the risk of cancer, but it can affect the function of tissues and organs.

Choice C reason:

Hyperplasia is an increase in cell number in response to normal or abnormal stimuli, such as hormones, inflammation, or wound healing. It does not increase the risk of cancer, but it can cause excessive growth of tissues and organs.

Choice D reason:

Dysplasia is an abnormal and potentially reversible change in cell size, shape, and organization in response to persistent stressors. It can be a precursor to cancer if it is not detected and treated early.

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.