This week during lab we did gram-staining on an unknown organism, and the results were amazing. After, we had done the steps for gram-staining we observed the slide under a microscope and the image was beautiful. We could really see details of the organism and right away we were able to tell what the unknown organism was. We could see clusters of purple rod-shaped organisms which indicates that it is gram-positive. Using this information that we saw we can conclude that the unknown organism is Bacillus subtilis. I had a great time doing gram-staining.
Gram-staining is something that is used a lot in clinical settings, so that means that what I have learned so far is something that is relevant to my career goal of becoming a nurse. After gram stains are performed you can then determine whether its gram-positive or gram-negative, and be able to prescribe any antibiotics that can work against either one of these two gram stains. Gram-staining is very important in the health field.
I am a visual learner so when we were learning about the different gram-stains and about the different microscopes the Powerpoint slides were really helpful. The pictures that showed how the different gram stains worked or looked under each microscope helped me to understand this topic really well. I learn best also by taking notes, so while the instructor was talking and showing the different slides I would take notes in my notebook.
One thing that has really impacted my life while taking microbiology is that now I really enjoy reading the health section on my cellphone. Everyday different articles or posted about the topics that are most popular for that day, and I take my time to read the ones that catch my attention. It’s really interesting to learn about the different things that are happening around the world. One thing that I read today was about some of the risks factors that women have of having a stroke, and what should be done to help reduce these risks. “Some of the risk factors that women have include high blood pressure during pregnancy, using birth control pills, high cholesterol, and other hormonal lifestyle factors” (Hellmich). “Some of the ways that stroke in women can be reduced is by monitoring and treating pre-eclampsia and eclampisa, blood-pressure disorders during pregnancy that can cause major complications, premature birth, and risk for stroke during or after delivery” (Hellmich). I will continue to read the health section when I can, so that I can continue to learn new things every day.
Reference:
Hellmich, Nanci. “New guidelines: Best ways to prevent a stroke in women”. USA Today News. 06 Feb. 2014. Web. 06 Feb. 2014