ATI RN
microbiology test bank Questions
Question 1 of 5
One of the defense mechanisms in place in the organs/tissues of the reproductive tract that prevent microbial infection includes:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: acidic pH. The reproductive tract's acidic pH serves as a defense mechanism by creating an environment hostile to many pathogens, preventing microbial infection. The acidic pH helps to inhibit the growth and survival of harmful microorganisms. A: Alkaline pH would actually be more favorable for microbial growth as most pathogens thrive in neutral to alkaline pH environments. C: High sugar concentration can actually promote microbial growth as many pathogens feed on sugars. D: High body temperature may help in some cases, but it is not as effective as an acidic pH in preventing microbial infection in the reproductive tract.
Question 2 of 5
The actual genetic makeup of an organism is referred to as its
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: genotype. The genotype refers to the actual genetic makeup of an organism, including all the genes and alleles present in its DNA. This determines the traits and characteristics of an organism. Phenotype (A) is the observable physical or biochemical characteristics of an organism. Conjugation (C) is a process in bacteria involving the transfer of genetic material. Construct (D) is not a term related to genetics. Therefore, the correct choice is B as it specifically refers to the genetic composition of an organism.
Question 3 of 5
Boiling items in water for __________ minutes will kill most vegetative bacteria and viruses.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D (15-Oct) because boiling items for at least 15 minutes is necessary to effectively kill most vegetative bacteria and viruses. This duration ensures that the water reaches a high enough temperature to destroy harmful microorganisms. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not provide a sufficient amount of time for the water to reach the necessary temperature to effectively kill bacteria and viruses. Shorter durations may not be effective in ensuring food safety.
Question 4 of 5
Ebola viruses need to be handled in which of the following biosafety levels?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: BSL4. Ebola viruses are highly infectious and pose a high risk to laboratory workers. BSL4 facilities are designed to handle agents that pose a severe threat to human health and have no available vaccines or treatments. These facilities have strict guidelines for handling infectious agents, including full-body suits, negative air pressure, and decontamination processes to prevent any possible exposure. BSL1, BSL2, and BSL3 are not adequate for handling Ebola viruses due to their lower levels of containment and safety measures.
Question 5 of 5
A 5-year-old kindergartener has diphtheria. To find the carriers of the disease among the kindergarten staff, samples of pharyngeal mucus were obtained from the employers. One of the employers had gram-positive bacilli in her sample. They were situated at an angle to each other and colored unevenly, when stained according to Loeffler. What method can confirm that this carrier is dangerous to other people?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Toxin production test. Rationale: 1. Diphtheria is caused by a toxin produced by Corynebacterium diphtheriae. 2. To confirm if the carrier is dangerous, we need to test if they are producing the toxin. 3. The toxin production test directly assesses if the bacteria are producing the harmful toxin. 4. Positive results indicate the carrier is dangerous and can transmit the disease to others. Summary of other choices: B: Mouse neutralization test - Used to detect diphtheria antitoxin levels in blood, not to confirm if the carrier is dangerous. C: Immunofluorescence test - Used to detect specific antigens or antibodies, not directly related to confirming the carrier's danger. D: Complement fixation test - Measures immune response, not specific to toxin production confirmation.