Nurs 251 -Module 6 Study Guide Pharmacology -Portage Learning

This study source was downloaded by 100000859819779 from CourseHero.com on 01-28-2023 11:07:13 GMT -06:00https://www.coursehero.com/file/78909152/Pharmacology-Module-6docx/ Module 66.1: Introduction to Infectious DiseasesInfectious diseases are caused by pathogenic (disease-causing) organisms such as bacteria, fungi, and parasites as well asby viruses. Bacteria are defined as single-celled microorganisms . They can be found virtually everywhere and can either be harmless or very dangerous. This module will focus on the role of antibiotics to eliminate the pathogenic effects brought on by bacteria within a human host . Antibiotics are drugs that have the ability to destroy or interfere with the development of a living organism , typically bacteria.BacteriaBacteria can be classified as either Gram-positive or Gram-negative . This classification refers to how they respond to the Gram stain procedure. Gram-positive bacteria stain purple , and Gram-negative stain pink . Interestingly, the results of a Gram stain actually play a significant role in selecting an appropriate antibiotic therapy. Due to differences in the composition of the cell membrane, some drugs cannot effectively penetrate the membrane which is often required to elicit the desired effects. Generally, Gram-negative bacterial infections are harder to treat because Gram-negative bacteria have a more complex cell wall structure .Another way bacteria are classified