The discussion is based on the textbook readings from Microbiology (2016). Once you have completed your assigned readings (see Unit Overview page) and your assigned activities for this unit, please answer both prompts below.
Prompt 1 Galen's first program outcome is "Safe, Patient-Centered Care." Upon completion of this program, you should be competent and able to deliver safe, patient-centered care to all your patients. Every course you take in this program should help you towards those goals. Please address the questions below:
- What did you learn in Microbiology that will help you deliver safe, patient-centered care?
- Are there any patient care behaviors that you have changed in your nursing practice this quarter as a result of your new microbiology knowledge? If not, are there any Microbiology-related mistakes that you see your colleagues making in your places of employment?
- What is the most important thing that a nurse should know about Microbiology?
Prompt 2 – Pick 2 of the following to discuss.
- Explain the diagnostic methods used in identifying unknown organisms (i.e., microscope, metabolic, etc.). (USLO 11.1)
- List differences between pathogens (fungi, bacteria, protozoan, etc.) that could be a selective target for drug treatment. (USLO 11.2)
- Describe the modes of action of antimicrobial drugs (ie: cell membrane, cell wall, protein synthesis, etc). Please provide an example drug for each. (USLO 11.3)
- Explain how antiviral drugs work and how do they differ from other organisms' treatment? (USLO 11.4)
- Discuss antimicrobial resistance. Be sure to include the mechanisms used by organisms and the implication on treatment options. (USLO 11.5)
- Discuss the methods used to select appropriate drugs (ie Kirby Bauer). Why is it important for the clinician to select the most appropriate drug? (USLO 11.6)
- Discuss the misuse of antibiotics in the clinical setting. How does this misuse play a role in antibiotic resistance? (USLO 11.7)