ATI RN
microbiology chapter 12 test bank Questions
Question 1 of 9
Infection of several persons without any epidemiological link is
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: sporadic disease. Infection of several persons without any epidemiological link is considered sporadic because it occurs in a random and isolated manner, with no clear pattern or connection between cases. It is not classified as an epidemic (A) because it does not involve a sudden increase in the number of cases within a specific population. It is also not endemic (C) as endemic diseases are constantly present in a particular region or population. Lastly, it is not a pandemic (D) which refers to a global outbreak affecting a large number of people across different countries.
Question 2 of 9
A Gram-stained sputum smear revealed Gram-positive rods in chains with central spores. The patient presented with severe pneumonia. What is the causative agent?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Bacillus anthracis. The presence of Gram-positive rods in chains with central spores on the Gram stain indicates Bacillus anthracis. This bacterium is known to cause severe pneumonia. Clostridium tetani does not typically cause pneumonia but rather tetanus. Streptococcus pneumoniae is a Gram-positive cocci, not rods. Klebsiella pneumoniae is a Gram-negative bacterium commonly associated with pneumonia, but it does not form central spores.
Question 3 of 9
The drug most often used in fighting protozoan infections of the reproductive system is:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: metronidazole. Metronidazole is specifically effective against protozoan infections due to its ability to target and disrupt the DNA of the parasites. It is commonly used to treat infections such as trichomoniasis and giardiasis that affect the reproductive system. Ampicillin (A) and tetracycline (B) are antibiotics that target bacteria, not protozoa. Ciprofloxacin (C) is also an antibiotic that is effective against certain bacterial infections but not protozoan infections. Therefore, metronidazole is the most appropriate choice for fighting protozoan infections of the reproductive system.
Question 4 of 9
Which of the following bacteria is responsible for causing leprosy?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: Mycobacterium leprae is the bacterium responsible for causing leprosy, a chronic infectious disease affecting the skin and nerves. Step 2: Neisseria gonorrhoeae causes gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted infection. Step 3: Streptococcus pneumoniae causes pneumonia and other respiratory infections. Step 4: Clostridium perfringens causes gas gangrene and food poisoning. Summary: A is correct as Mycobacterium leprae specifically causes leprosy, while B, C, and D cause different diseases unrelated to leprosy.
Question 5 of 9
Microscopy of a sputum smear from a pneumonia patient revealed Gram-positive diplococci with pointed ends surrounded by a capsule. What is the causative agent?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Streptococcus pneumoniae. 1. Gram-positive diplococci with pointed ends: characteristic morphology of Streptococcus pneumoniae. 2. Surrounded by a capsule: S. pneumoniae is encapsulated, important for virulence. 3. Klebsiella pneumoniae (B) is a Gram-negative rod, Neisseria meningitidis (C) is a Gram-negative diplococcus, and Staphylococcus aureus (D) is a Gram-positive cocci in clusters, not diplococci.
Question 6 of 9
The term used to indicate the extent to which a drug reaches its site of action is:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: bioavailability. Bioavailability refers to the extent and rate at which a drug reaches its site of action in the body. This includes factors such as absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. Rationale: 1. Bioactivity refers to the pharmacological effect of a drug, not how effectively it reaches its site of action. 2. Bioremediation is the process of using organisms to remove or neutralize pollutants, not related to drug delivery. 3. Biostasis refers to a state of equilibrium or balance in living organisms, not related to drug transport to its site of action. In summary, bioavailability is the most appropriate term as it specifically addresses the process of a drug reaching its intended target within the body, distinguishing it from the other choices.
Question 7 of 9
The tertiary stage of syphilis is usually manifested as:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Syphilitic granulomas (gummas). In the tertiary stage of syphilis, gummas, which are soft, tumor-like growths, can develop in various organs such as the skin, bones, liver, and brain. This stage typically occurs years after the initial infection and can lead to serious complications if left untreated. Purulent exudation from the urethra (B) is not specific to syphilis and may indicate other infections. Non-tender chancre (C) is characteristic of the primary stage of syphilis, not the tertiary stage. Diffuse maculopapular rash (D) is more commonly seen in the secondary stage of syphilis.
Question 8 of 9
A patient presents with diarrhea and dehydration. A fecal smear stained by Gram's method revealed Gram-negative, comma-shaped bacteria. What is the causative agent?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Vibrio cholerae. Vibrio cholerae is the causative agent of cholera, which presents with severe watery diarrhea leading to dehydration. The characteristic comma-shaped (curved rod) appearance of Gram-negative bacteria is typical of Vibrio cholerae. This bacterium produces the cholera toxin, leading to the excessive secretion of fluid into the intestines. Salmonella typhi causes typhoid fever with symptoms like sustained fever, not watery diarrhea. Shigella dysenteriae causes bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps. Escherichia coli can cause various types of infections, but typically not severe watery diarrhea like cholera.
Question 9 of 9
In which phase of mitosis do the chromatids separate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In anaphase, sister chromatids separate and move towards opposite poles of the cell. This is facilitated by the shortening of microtubules attached to the centromeres. Prophase is the phase where chromosomes condense and the nuclear envelope breaks down. Metaphase is when chromosomes align at the metaphase plate. Telophase is when the nuclear envelope reforms and chromosomes decondense. Therefore, anaphase is the correct phase for chromatid separation.