ATI RN
Microbiology A Systems Approach Test Bank Questions
Question 1 of 9
A group of Ukrainian tourists returning from Samarqand was bringing with them gerbils. During examination in customs office ulcers were detected on the skin of the animals. What protozoa is the most likely to cause the disease in the animals, if mosquitoes are the carriers?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale: 1. The presence of ulcers in animals suggests a parasitic infection. 2. Mosquitoes as carriers indicate a protozoan transmitted through insect bites. 3. Among the choices, Plasmodium falciparum causes malaria transmitted by mosquitoes. 4. Leishmania tropica major causes cutaneous leishmaniasis, not ulcers. 5. Balantidium coli causes intestinal infections, not skin ulcers. 6. Trypanosoma cruzi causes Chagas disease, not skin ulcers.
Question 2 of 9
After starting treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis a patient complained about red tears and urine. What drug could cause such changes?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Rifampicin. Rifampicin is known to cause red discoloration of bodily fluids, including tears and urine, due to its side effect of harmless color changes. Benzylpenicillins (B and C) and Biseptol-480 do not typically cause such discoloration. Rifampicin's mechanism of action involves binding to bacterial RNA polymerase, leading to inhibition of RNA synthesis, which is unrelated to the mechanism of the other drugs. Thus, based on the unique side effect profile of Rifampicin and its mechanism of action, it is the most likely drug causing red tears and urine in this scenario.
Question 3 of 9
Which structure in bacteria allows them to exchange genetic material during conjugation?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Pili in bacteria are responsible for conjugation, allowing the transfer of genetic material between cells. They form a bridge between donor and recipient cells, facilitating the exchange of DNA. Flagella are for movement, capsules for protection, and ribosomes for protein synthesis. Pili is the only structure directly involved in genetic material exchange.
Question 4 of 9
A sputum smear stained by Gram's method revealed Gram-positive cocci in clusters. The patient presented with an abscess. What is the causative agent?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Staphylococcus aureus. Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive bacterium that commonly presents as cocci in clusters. It is a known causative agent of abscesses due to its ability to produce enzymes and toxins that contribute to tissue destruction. In this case, the presence of Gram-positive cocci in clusters aligns with the characteristic morphology of Staphylococcus aureus. Summary of incorrect choices: B: Streptococcus pyogenes is a Gram-positive bacterium that typically presents as cocci in chains, not clusters. It is more commonly associated with pharyngitis and skin infections rather than abscesses. C: Enterococcus faecalis is a Gram-positive bacterium that typically presents as cocci in pairs or short chains, not clusters. It is more commonly associated with urinary tract infections and endocarditis. D: Micrococcus luteus is a Gram-positive bacterium that typically presents as t
Question 5 of 9
The type of antibody that can cross the placenta is:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: IgG. IgG is the only antibody that can cross the placenta due to its small size and unique structure, allowing it to provide passive immunity to the fetus. IgA is mainly found in mucosal secretions, IgM is too large to cross the placental barrier, and IgD plays a role in B cell activation but is not involved in placental transfer.
Question 6 of 9
What is the name of the enzyme that allows the bacteria to become resistant to most penicillins?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Beta lactamase. This enzyme is produced by bacteria to break down the beta-lactam ring structure of penicillins, rendering them ineffective. Beta lactam ring (A) is part of the penicillin molecule, not an enzyme. MRSA (B) stands for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, a type of bacteria resistant to certain antibiotics, not an enzyme. Aminoglycoside ring (D) refers to a different class of antibiotics and is not related to penicillin resistance in bacteria.
Question 7 of 9
Which of the following bacteria is known for producing a capsule that helps it avoid the immune system?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Streptococcus pneumoniae. This bacterium is known for producing a capsule that helps it evade the immune system. The capsule acts as a protective barrier, making it difficult for the immune system to recognize and attack the bacteria. Streptococcus pneumoniae is a common cause of pneumonia and meningitis. Explanation for why other choices are incorrect: B: Escherichia coli does not typically produce a capsule for immune evasion. It is more commonly associated with gastrointestinal infections. C: Salmonella enterica also does not produce a capsule for immune evasion. It is known for causing foodborne illness. D: Bacillus subtilis is a soil bacterium that is not known for producing a capsule to avoid the immune system.
Question 8 of 9
Antibiotics for multiple-resistant microorganisms are:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Imipenem. Imipenem is a carbapenem antibiotic effective against multiple-resistant microorganisms due to its broad spectrum and resistance to beta-lactamases. It is often used as a last resort for severe infections. Ampicillin (A) and Penicillin (B) are both beta-lactam antibiotics that are less effective against multiple-resistant microorganisms due to widespread resistance mechanisms. Augmentin (C) is a combination of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid, which may have limited efficacy against certain resistant strains but is not as effective as imipenem for treating infections caused by multiple-resistant microorganisms.
Question 9 of 9
A disease that is generally present in a given population is:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: endemic. Endemic refers to a disease that is consistently present in a particular population or region at a relatively stable level. This means the disease is always present in that specific area. Pandemic (A) refers to a disease that spreads across multiple countries or continents. Epidemic (B) refers to a sudden increase in the number of cases of a disease above what is normally expected in that population. Sporadic (C) refers to occasional cases of a disease occurring irregularly in a population. Therefore, the correct choice is D as it specifically describes a disease that is generally present in a given population.