ATI RN
Microbiology An Evolving Science Test Bank Questions
Question 1 of 9
A patient being treated in the burns department has suppurative complication. The pus is of bluish- green color that is indicative of infection caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. What factor is typical for this causative agent?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Gram-negative stain. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a gram-negative bacterium, as indicated by the bluish-green pus color. This bacterium has an outer membrane that retains the crystal violet stain, making it appear pink/red after the counterstain with safranin in Gram staining. The other choices are incorrect because Pseudomonas aeruginosa does not typically form spores (B), has a rod-shaped morphology rather than a coccal form (C), and does not exhibit cell pairing (D).
Question 2 of 9
Tinea capitis is a fungal infection of the:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: scalp. Tinea capitis is a fungal infection that specifically affects the scalp. This infection is caused by dermatophytes, which thrive in warm and moist environments. It typically presents with symptoms such as scaling, itching, and hair loss on the scalp. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because tinea pedis (athlete's foot) affects the feet, oral thrush is a fungal infection of the mouth, and tinea manuum affects the hands. By process of elimination and understanding the specific characteristics of tinea capitis, we can determine that the scalp is the correct location for this fungal infection.
Question 3 of 9
Which bacteria is responsible for causing whooping cough?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Bordetella pertussis. This bacterium causes whooping cough by attaching to the respiratory tract and releasing toxins that lead to severe coughing fits. Clostridium tetani causes tetanus, not whooping cough. Haemophilus influenzae can cause respiratory infections but not specifically whooping cough. Staphylococcus aureus is known for causing skin infections and not respiratory diseases like whooping cough. Therefore, the presence of Bordetella pertussis and its specific mechanism of causing whooping cough makes it the correct answer.
Question 4 of 9
Microscopy of dental plaque revealed unicellular organisms. Their cytoplasm had two distinct layers, barely visible core, wide pseudopodia. The patient is most likely to have:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Trichomonas tenax. Trichomonas tenax is a flagellated protozoan that is commonly found in the oral cavity, specifically in dental plaque. The description provided in the question matches the characteristics of Trichomonas tenax, such as unicellular structure, distinct layers in the cytoplasm, wide pseudopodia, and barely visible core. Entamoeba gingivalis (choice A) and Entamoeba histolytica (choice B) are amoebas, not flagellated protozoa, and they do not exhibit the characteristics described in the question. Lamblia (choice C) is also an incorrect choice as it is a different type of protozoan that does not match the description provided.
Question 5 of 9
A toxic, odorless gas often used as a sterilizing agent in hospitals and dental officials is
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: ethylene oxide. Ethylene oxide is a toxic, odorless gas commonly used as a sterilizing agent in healthcare settings due to its ability to effectively kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It is a highly reactive compound that can penetrate porous materials, making it an ideal choice for sterilization purposes. Incorrect choices: B: Carbon dioxide is not used as a sterilizing agent and is not toxic. C: Carbon monoxide is not commonly used for sterilization and has a distinct odor. D: Propane is not used for sterilization in healthcare settings and is not odorless.
Question 6 of 9
What is a common characteristic of spore-forming bacteria?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Resistance to heat and dehydration. Spore-forming bacteria form spores as a survival mechanism in harsh conditions. These spores are highly resistant to heat and dehydration, allowing the bacteria to withstand extreme environments. This characteristic is essential for their long-term survival and ability to persist in unfavorable conditions. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because not all spore-forming bacteria produce toxins, have flagella, or are capable of photosynthesis. These characteristics are not exclusive to spore-forming bacteria and do not define them as a group.
Question 7 of 9
The generic name of a drug refers to its __________ name.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: nonproprietary. The generic name of a drug is the official, nonproprietary name given to a drug by an organization such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This name is not owned by any specific company and is used universally to identify the drug's active ingredient. The generic name helps to communicate the specific medication being prescribed and allows for cost-effective options for consumers. A: Trade name refers to the brand name given to a drug by a pharmaceutical company. B: Proprietary name is another term for the trade name, specific to the company that produces the drug. C: Chemical name refers to the exact chemical composition of the drug, which may not be user-friendly or easily recognized by healthcare professionals or consumers.
Question 8 of 9
Which of the following bacteria can cause meningitis?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, "All of the above." Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae, and Streptococcus pneumoniae are all bacteria known to cause meningitis. Neisseria meningitidis is a common cause of bacterial meningitis in young adults, Haemophilus influenzae type b is a common cause in children, and Streptococcus pneumoniae is a leading cause in adults and the elderly. Therefore, all three bacteria can potentially cause meningitis depending on the age group and other factors. The other choices are incorrect because each of the bacteria listed can cause meningitis, so selecting only one of them would be incorrect.
Question 9 of 9
Which bacteria is known for causing tuberculosis?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This bacterium is known for causing tuberculosis, as it specifically infects the lungs and can lead to serious respiratory issues. Mycobacterium leprae (Choice B) causes leprosy, not tuberculosis. Escherichia coli (Choice C) is a common bacteria found in the intestines and is not associated with tuberculosis. Streptococcus pneumoniae (Choice D) causes pneumonia, but not tuberculosis. Therefore, the correct choice is A because Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the specific bacterium responsible for causing tuberculosis.