ATI RN
microbiology an introduction 13th edition test bank Questions
Question 1 of 5
A Gram-negative, comma-shaped bacterium was isolated from a patient with cholera. What is the most likely microorganism?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Vibrio cholerae. 1. Vibrio cholerae is a Gram-negative, comma-shaped bacterium known to cause cholera. 2. Shigella dysenteriae causes dysentery, not cholera. 3. Salmonella typhi causes typhoid fever, not cholera. 4. Campylobacter jejuni causes gastroenteritis, not cholera. Therefore, based on the symptoms presented and the characteristics of the bacterium, Vibrio cholerae is the most likely microorganism.
Question 2 of 5
A 5-year-old child presents with a sore throat and a grayish pseudomembrane in the throat. Microscopic examination of a smear revealed dark blue-staining rods with polar granules. What is the causative agent?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Corynebacterium diphtheriae. This bacterium causes diphtheria, characterized by a grayish pseudomembrane in the throat. The dark blue-staining rods with polar granules seen in microscopic examination are known as metachromatic granules, which are specific to Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Streptococcus pyogenes (choice B) causes strep throat but does not produce pseudomembranes. Haemophilus influenzae (choice C) can cause respiratory infections but does not typically present with a pseudomembrane. Neisseria gonorrhoeae (choice D) is a sexually transmitted bacterium and is not associated with the symptoms described.
Question 3 of 5
A blood culture from a patient with sepsis revealed Gram-positive cocci in clusters. The organism was catalase-positive and coagulase-negative. What is the most likely causative agent?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Staphylococcus epidermidis. Step 1: Gram-positive cocci in clusters suggest staphylococci. Step 2: Catalase-positive and coagulase-negative narrows it down to Staphylococcus epidermidis, as it is catalase-positive and coagulase-negative. Staphylococcus aureus (B) is catalase-positive and coagulase-positive. Streptococcus pyogenes (C) is catalase-negative. Enterococcus faecalis (D) is catalase-negative and coagulase-negative.
Question 4 of 5
A stool sample from a patient with diarrhea revealed Gram-negative rods with a greenish hue on MacConkey agar. What is the most likely causative agent?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Escherichia coli. E. coli is a Gram-negative rod that typically has a greenish hue on MacConkey agar due to its ability to ferment lactose, producing acid that changes the pH indicator to green. E. coli is a common cause of diarrhea, particularly in cases of traveler's diarrhea. Salmonella (B), Shigella (C), and Klebsiella (D) are also Gram-negative rods but do not typically show a greenish hue on MacConkey agar and are less commonly associated with causing diarrhea compared to E. coli.
Question 5 of 5
Which bacteria is known for its ability to resist heat and radiation?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Bacillus subtilis. Bacillus subtilis is known for its ability to resist heat and radiation due to its formation of endospores, which are highly resistant structures that protect the bacterium from harsh environmental conditions. This resilience allows Bacillus subtilis to survive in extreme environments where other bacteria cannot. Explanation of other choices: A: Escherichia coli is not known for its exceptional resistance to heat and radiation. C: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is not particularly resistant to heat and radiation compared to Bacillus subtilis. D: Clostridium perfringens is not as well-known for its heat and radiation resistance as Bacillus subtilis.