ATI RN
Microbiology A Systems Approach Test Bank Questions
Question 1 of 9
A patient with convulsive contractions of facial muscles was admitted to the infectious disease ward. From a scratch on his lower right extremity analysts isolated bacteria with terminal endospores that gave them drumstick appearance. What bacteria are compliant with given description?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for the correct answer (A - Clostridium tetani): 1. The patient has convulsive contractions of facial muscles, indicating tetanus. 2. Isolation of bacteria with terminal endospores that have a drumstick appearance is characteristic of Clostridium tetani. 3. Clostridium tetani produces tetanospasmin toxin causing muscle spasms. 4. Therefore, the correct answer is Clostridium tetani (A). Summary of why other choices are incorrect: B: Clostridium botulinum causes botulism, not tetanus. C: Clostridium perfringens causes gas gangrene, not tetanus. D: Bacillus anthracis causes anthrax, not tetanus.
Question 2 of 9
The food preparation process in which not all microorganisms are killed, but the number of microbes capable of spoiling the food or causing disease is reduced, is called
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: pasteurization. This process involves heating food to a specific temperature to kill harmful bacteria while preserving the flavor and quality of the food. Sanitation (A) refers to maintaining cleanliness to prevent contamination. Disinfection (C) involves killing most, but not all, microbes on surfaces. Purification (D) typically refers to the process of removing impurities, not specifically targeting microbes. In this case, pasteurization best describes the process of reducing harmful microbes in food without completely eliminating all microorganisms.
Question 3 of 9
A patient in the oral surgery department has got purulent complication. Bacteriological analysis of the wound material found a culture that produces cyan pigment. What microorganism is the most probable causative agent?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is known for producing a bluish-green pigment called pyocyanin, which presents as a cyan pigment. This bacterium is commonly associated with wound infections and is often found in oral surgery complications. Proteus vulgaris (B) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (D) are not typically associated with cyan pigment production, making them less likely causative agents. Bacillus subtilis (C) is not known to produce cyan pigment and is not a common pathogen in wound infections. Therefore, based on the presence of cyan pigment and the clinical context of an oral surgery complication, Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the most probable causative agent.
Question 4 of 9
The role of pili in bacteria is:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: adhesion to surfaces and conjugation. Pili are hair-like structures on the surface of bacteria that help them adhere to surfaces and facilitate the transfer of genetic material during conjugation. This is essential for bacterial survival and reproduction. Choice A is incorrect because protection from desiccation is typically associated with other structures like capsules. Choice B is incorrect as motility in bacteria is usually facilitated by flagella. Choice D is incorrect as spore formation involves the formation of specialized structures, not pili.
Question 5 of 9
Peptidoglycan is typically found in the:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Peptidoglycan is a major component of bacterial cell walls, providing structural support and protection. The correct answer is A because peptidoglycan is typically found in the cell wall of bacteria. The cell wall is crucial for maintaining the shape of the bacterial cell and protecting it from external stresses. The plasma membrane (choice B) is primarily composed of phospholipids and proteins, not peptidoglycan. The nucleus (choice C) is found in eukaryotic cells and contains genetic material, not peptidoglycan. The endoplasmic reticulum (choice D) is an organelle involved in protein synthesis and lipid metabolism, but it does not contain peptidoglycan. Therefore, the correct answer is A as peptidoglycan is typically found in the cell wall of bacteria.
Question 6 of 9
Natural reservoirs of legionellae are:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because Legionellae are typically found in natural water sources such as lakes, rivers, and soil. Legionellae thrive in aquatic environments and can also be present in mud. Choice B is incorrect as Legionellae are not limited to infected humans but are also found in the natural environment. Choice C is incorrect as Legionellae are not primarily associated with infected animals. Choice D is incorrect as Legionellae do have natural reservoirs in water and soil.
Question 7 of 9
Which bacteria is a common cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs)?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Escherichia coli. E. coli is the most common cause of UTIs due to its ability to colonize the urinary tract. It possesses adhesive factors that enable it to attach to the bladder and cause infection. Clostridium tetani causes tetanus, Mycobacterium leprae causes leprosy, and Bacillus anthracis causes anthrax, none of which are typically associated with UTIs. E. coli's prevalence in the gut and its pathogenic mechanisms make it the leading cause of UTIs.
Question 8 of 9
Bacteria capable of growing at low temperatures are called:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: psychrophiles. Psychrophiles are bacteria that can grow at low temperatures, typically below 20°C. This is because they have adapted to survive and thrive in cold environments. Mesophiles (A) grow best at moderate temperatures, thermophiles (B) thrive in high temperatures, and halophiles (D) prefer high salt concentrations. Psychrophiles are specifically adapted to cold temperatures, making them the correct choice in this scenario.
Question 9 of 9
What are actinomycotic granules:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Step 1: Actinomycotic granules are colonies of actinomycetes located in purulent secretions. Step 2: Actinomycosis is a disease caused by actinomycetes forming these granules. Step 3: Actinomycotic granules are typically found in tissue exudates or pus. Step 4: Therefore, choice C is correct as it accurately describes actinomycotic granules. Summary: Choice A is incorrect because actinomycotic granules are not a form of actinomycosis itself, but a characteristic of the disease. Choice B is incorrect as actinomycotic granules are not an additional outer membrane but rather colonies of actinomycetes. Choice D is incorrect as actinomycotic granules are not intracellular inclusions but extracellular colonies found in purulent secretions.