ATI RN
foundations in microbiology test bank Questions
Question 1 of 9
Bacterial spores are used for:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Survival. Bacterial spores are specialized structures that bacteria form to survive harsh conditions such as extreme temperatures or lack of nutrients. Spores are not used for protection against phagocytosis (A) as they are dormant structures and not actively involved in defense mechanisms. They are not for reproduction (B) as spores are a form of bacterial reproduction but not the primary purpose of spore formation. Spores do not serve as nutrient storage (D) as they are mainly used for survival during unfavorable conditions.
Question 2 of 9
A 6-year-old boy is brought to the pediatrician by his mother, who complains of low-grade fever, chronic cough and night sweats in her child. She describes the cough as productive, producing white sputum that is sometimes streaked with blood. She also says that her son has lost some weight in the last month. His vital signs include blood pressure of 115/75 mm Hg, heart rate of 110/min., respiratory rate of 18/min. and temperature of 36,6°C. On physical examination, the patient is ill looking. Pulmonary auscultation reveals some fine crackles in the right upper lobe. The pediatrician suspects an active infection and performs Mantoux test. Intradermal injection of which of the following substances has been most likely used by pediatrician for screening test in this clinical case?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Tuberculin. In this clinical scenario, the patient presents with symptoms suggestive of tuberculosis, including chronic cough, night sweats, weight loss, and hemoptysis. The Mantoux test, also known as the tuberculin skin test, is used to screen for tuberculosis. Tuberculin, a purified protein derivative (PPD) derived from Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is injected intradermally. The test elicits a delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction in individuals who have been exposed to the organism in the past. A positive Mantoux test indicates exposure to tuberculosis and does not differentiate between active infection and prior exposure. Explanation for other choices: B: Measles - Measles is a viral infection that presents with a characteristic rash and fever, not consistent with the symptoms described in the case. C: Tetanus and diphtheria toxoids vaccine (Td) - Td vaccine is not used for tuberculosis screening and does not elicit
Question 3 of 9
Which bacteria are associated with causing foodborne infections?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D (All of the above) because all three bacteria (Clostridium botulinum, Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica) are known to cause foodborne infections. Clostridium botulinum can lead to botulism, E. coli can cause various gastrointestinal illnesses, and Salmonella enterica is a common cause of food poisoning. Each bacterium has specific mechanisms that result in foodborne illnesses. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because each bacterium mentioned is associated with causing foodborne infections, making them collectively the correct answer.
Question 4 of 9
The suffix -virales is given to the following terms within the taxon
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Order. The suffix -virales is used in virology to denote the order level in the taxonomy of viruses. Orders are higher taxonomic ranks compared to species, family, and genus. The suffix -virales is specifically assigned to virus orders, making choice B the correct one. The other choices (A, C, D) are incorrect because the suffix -virales does not apply to species, family, or genus in the taxonomic classification of viruses.
Question 5 of 9
A patient with severe pneumonia had a sputum culture revealing Gram-negative rods that are non-lactose fermenters. What is the most likely causative agent?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This is because Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common Gram-negative rod that is a non-lactose fermenter and a common cause of severe pneumonia, especially in immunocompromised individuals. It is also known for its resistance to many antibiotics, making it difficult to treat. Summary of other choices: B: Escherichia coli is a lactose fermenter and is not commonly associated with severe pneumonia. C: Klebsiella pneumoniae is a lactose fermenter and is more commonly associated with pneumonia in alcoholics or debilitated patients. D: Enterobacter cloacae is a lactose fermenter and is not a common cause of severe pneumonia.
Question 6 of 9
A patient has food poisoning. Laboratory analysis revealed a culture of anaerobic gram-positive spore-forming bacteria. What is the most likely kind of the isolated causative agent?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: C. perfringens. This is because Clostridium perfringens is a gram-positive, anaerobic, spore-forming bacterium commonly associated with food poisoning. It produces toxins that cause gastrointestinal symptoms. Proteus vulgaris (B) and P. mirabilis (C) are gram-negative bacteria not typically associated with food poisoning. Vibrio parahemolyticus (D) is a gram-negative bacterium causing seafood-related gastroenteritis, not spore-forming or anaerobic.
Question 7 of 9
Gram-negative bacteria have a cell wall that:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, as Gram-negative bacteria have a cell wall containing lipopolysaccharides. This outer membrane structure is unique to Gram-negative bacteria and plays a critical role in pathogenicity and immune response. Teichoic acid (choice A) is found in Gram-positive bacteria. The cell wall of Gram-negative bacteria is thinner than that of Gram-positive bacteria (choice B). The cell wall of Gram-negative bacteria is not composed entirely of peptidoglycan (choice D), as it also contains other components like lipopolysaccharides.
Question 8 of 9
When using gram staining method fungi stain:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Fungi do not stain in the gram staining method because they have a unique cell wall composition different from bacteria. Fungi have chitin in their cell walls, which is not easily stained by the gram staining process. This method primarily targets the peptidoglycan layer present in bacterial cell walls. Therefore, fungi will not take up the stain and will remain colorless. The other choices (A: Blue-purple, B: Red, C: Silver) are incorrect because they describe colors that are associated with staining results for bacteria, not fungi.
Question 9 of 9
Poxviruses are DNA viruses that replicate in the Cytoplasm
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: TRUE. Poxviruses are indeed DNA viruses that replicate in the cytoplasm. This is due to their complex structure that allows them to carry out their replication process in the cytoplasm of the host cell. Other choices are incorrect because poxviruses specifically replicate in the cytoplasm and do not require the nucleus for replication, ruling out choice B. Choice C is incorrect because poxviruses consistently replicate in the cytoplasm regardless of the situation. Choice D is incorrect as the correct answer is A.