ATI RN
microbiology basic and clinical principles test bank Questions
Question 1 of 5
Microscopy of sputum from a tuberculosis patient revealed acid-fast rods stained red using the Ziehl-Neelsen method. What structural feature allows this staining?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Mycolic acid in the cell wall. Mycolic acid is a unique component of the cell wall of Mycobacterium species, including the causative agent of tuberculosis. The Ziehl-Neelsen method uses acid-fast staining, where mycolic acid confers resistance to decolorization by acid-alcohol, causing the bacteria to retain the red stain. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as capsules, flagella, and peptidoglycan layers do not directly contribute to acid-fast staining characteristic of Mycobacterium species.
Question 2 of 5
A fecal sample from a patient with diarrhea was cultured on Endo agar, resulting in colorless colonies. The bacteria were Gram-negative rods. What microorganism is most likely?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Shigella. On Endo agar, Shigella appears as colorless colonies due to its inability to ferment lactose. Shigella is a Gram-negative rod and is a common cause of diarrhea. Salmonella (A) and Escherichia coli (C) would typically produce pink colonies on Endo agar as they can ferment lactose. Proteus (D) is not commonly associated with diarrhea and would not be expected to grow on Endo agar.
Question 3 of 5
The oldest fossils of prokaryotes go back __________ billion years.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 3.5 to 4.0 billion years. This range aligns with the oldest known fossils of prokaryotes found in ancient rocks. Fossils dating back to this time period provide evidence of early life forms on Earth. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they fall outside the established timeline based on scientific evidence and fossil records. A (4.0 to 5.0 billion years) is too early for the oldest prokaryote fossils, as it predates the formation of Earth's atmosphere suitable for life. C (2.5 to 3.0 billion years) and D (2.2 to 2.7 billion years) are too recent for the oldest prokaryote fossils, as life is believed to have originated much earlier.
Question 4 of 5
A sputum smear from a patient with pneumonia revealed Gram-positive cocci in pairs with pointed ends and capsules. What is the likely microorganism?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Streptococcus pneumoniae. The description of Gram-positive cocci in pairs with pointed ends and capsules matches the morphology of S. pneumoniae. This bacterium is known to cause pneumonia, especially in individuals with underlying conditions like COPD. Staphylococcus aureus (B) typically appears in clusters, not pairs. Klebsiella pneumoniae (C) is a Gram-negative rod, not a cocci. Neisseria meningitidis (D) is a Gram-negative diplococcus, not a cocci. Hence, based on the morphology and clinical context, Streptococcus pneumoniae is the likely microorganism causing pneumonia in this patient.
Question 5 of 5
A fecal sample cultured on Endo agar revealed colorless colonies. The bacteria were Gram-negative rods and lactose non-fermenters. What microorganism is most likely?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is Shigella (Choice C) because it matches the description of being Gram-negative rods and lactose non-fermenters. Shigella is a non-lactose fermenting, Gram-negative rod that typically produces colorless colonies on Endo agar. Salmonella (Choice A) and Escherichia coli (Choice B) are both lactose fermenters and would produce pink colonies on Endo agar. Proteus (Choice D) is also a lactose fermenter and would appear pink on Endo agar. Therefore, based on the characteristics provided, Shigella is the most likely microorganism in this scenario.