Principles of Health and Sciences

Principles of Health and Sciences

How is the gram stain used to classify bacteria?

Gram staining is a method used to differentiate large groups of bacteria depending on their cell wall constituents (Bruckner, 2020). Gram staining usually involves thee processes: Cells are stained with a soluble dye known as crystal violet. Next, an iodine solution (potassium iodide and iodine) is added, forming an insoluble complex layer between iodine and the crystal violet. A decolorizer such as acetone or ethyl alcohol is added to dehydrate the peptidoglycan layer hence tightening and shrinking it. The large crystal violet is not able to pass through the peptidoglycan layer and is trapped in the Gram-positive bacteria. Contrarily, the outer membrane of the Gram-negative bacteria is broken down, which makes the thinner peptidoglycan layer not be able to retain the crystal violet-iodine, and the color becomes lost. A counterstain is added to the solution staining it red. The safranin is lighter compared to the crystal violent and does not affect the purple color in Gram-positive cells. Nonetheless, the decolorized negative cells get the red color.

How do antibiotics inhibit the growth of bacteria?

Antibiotics disrupt essential structures or processes in the bacterial cell. They either slow down the bacterial growth or completely kill it. Antibiotics that inhibit the growth of bacteria are known as bacteriostatic antibiotics. Bacteriostatic antibiotics hinder nutrients from reaching the cells of the bacteria, which prevents them from multiplying and dividing. When the antibiotic sticks to the wall of the bacteria, it will destroy or disable that enzyme or protein.

What is S. aureus, and how does it cause MRSA?

S aureus is a bacterium that causes infections in various parts of the body. It is hard to treat than other strains of staph or staphylococcus aureus since it is resistant to most antibiotics. S aureus often leads to MRSA, and the symptoms depend on where you are infected. In most cases, it causes light skin infections such as boils, abscesses, or sores. But it may also lead to serious skin infections and also infect surgical wounds, the urinary tract or lungs.

What are the principal routes of transmission of nosocomial infections?

Health care facilities such as nursing homes, outpatient facilities, or hospitals can be hazardous for acquiring infections. These infections are known as nosocomial infections, and they include surgical wound infections, genitourinary infections, gastrointestinal infections, and respiratory infections. Immunocompromised patients, young children, and the elderly are at risk compared to others. These infections are often transmitted through direct contact with the hospital staff, aerosol droplets that come from other patients, inadequately sterilized instruments, or even the water and food provided at the hospitals.

What can be done to prevent nosocomial infections?

In spite of their best intentions, doctors and other health practitioners at times are the vectors of diseases, spreading infections to their unsuspecting patients. Attention to various preventive strategies can reduce the rates of transmission of these infections. Frequent hand washing is the single most essential intervention strategy to control these infections (Saloojee, & Steenhoff, 2001). Nonetheless, recognizing techniques to ensure health practitioners remains a complex problem. Gowns, masks, and gloves have a role in stopping infections but are mostly misused. While virulent microorganisms may be cultured from white coats and stethoscopes, their role in transmitting diseases remains undefined.

What are the three reasons why rates of nosocomial infections are marked higher in developing countries?

There are several reasons why the rate of nosocomial infections is alarming in developing countries. These include hospitals and other health care facilities housing a large number of sick people and whose immune system is weak. Another reason is that hospital resources are limited in most developing countries; hence infection control and surveillance in these hospitals become a luxury that cannot be afforded. Lastly is that the high cost needed to deal with these infections in hospitals.

What are the five things that increase the rate of nosocomial infections?

Certain underlying diseases, hospital services, procedures and categories of age, race, sex, and urgency of admission are significant factors that contribute to nosocomial infections

What is the difference between a neoplasm, benign tumor, and malignant tumor?

A neoplasm is an unusual growth of cells, also referred to as a tumor. Benign and Malignant are types of tumors that are caused by neoplastic diseases. Benign tumors are slow growths that are noncancerous and do not spread to other parts of the tissue. Malignant tumors growths that grow quickly or slowly and are usually cancerous. These tumors often spread to multiple organs and tissues.

Identify four chronic infections that may cause cancer?

Chronic infection that may cause cancer include: H. pylori (stomach); hepatitis B and C (liver); HPV (penis and cervix); and schist soma trematode worms (bladder)

What cancer screenings should Mr. and Mrs. Brown receive?

Colonoscopy, fecal occult blood testing, and sigmoidoscopy

Why is colorectal cancer the most common cancer in western societies?

Both genetic and environmental factors influence colorectal cancer. The highest incidence rates are in North America and Europe, and the low rates are in South-Central Asia and Africa. These geographical differences are attributed to the differences in environmental exposures, dietary that is fostered upon genetically determined susceptibility.

Identify four nonspecific warning signs of cancer

Some of the nonspecific warning signs of cancer include: change in bladder or bowel habits, unusual discharge or bleeding, thickening or lump around the body more especially in the breast, and difficulty in swallowing or digestion.

What is the possible diagnosis and treatment for Aaron?

The neck lymph node that is swollen and not painful can be a sign of a severe problem such as cancer. A physical check on the lymph nodes will be performed on Aaron to check on their size and see if they are tender. After the physical check-up, a blood test may be carried out to check for specific diseases. If necessary, the doctor may order an imaging test to evaluate the lymph nodes further. Standard imaging tests will include MRI scans, CT scans, ultrasound, and X-rays. In case of infections, antiviral drugs or antibiotics will be administered. In the case of cancer, the tumor will be removed or shrank through chemotherapy.

References

Bruckner, M. (2020). Gram Staining. Retrieved 27 January 2020, from https://serc.carleton.edu/microbelife/research_methods/microscopy/gramstain.html

Saloojee, H., & Steenhoff, A. (2001). The health professional’s role in preventing nosocomial infections. Postgraduate medical journal, 77(903), 16-19.