ATI RN
Microbiology An Evolving Science Test Bank Questions
Question 1 of 5
Quite often, the soil may contain a number of pathogenic microorganisms. The causative agents of the following disease may exist in the soil for a long time:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Anthrax. Anthrax is caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, which can form spores that are highly resistant and can survive in the soil for long periods. These spores can remain dormant until they come into contact with a susceptible host, leading to infection. Diphtheria, viral hepatitis, and pertussis are caused by different types of pathogens (bacteria and viruses) that do not have the same ability to persist in soil as anthrax spores. Therefore, the causative agents of these diseases are less likely to exist in the soil for extended periods compared to anthrax spores.
Question 2 of 5
A patient with probable liver abscess was delivered to a surgical department. The patient for a long time had been on an assignment in an African country and had recurrent cases of gastrointestinal disturbance. What protozoan disease can it be?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Amebiasis. The patient's symptoms of gastrointestinal disturbance and liver abscess are indicative of an infection with Entamoeba histolytica, the protozoan parasite responsible for amebiasis. The patient's travel history to an African country also increases the likelihood of contracting this disease, as it is more prevalent in tropical regions. Toxoplasmosis (A) is primarily associated with exposure to cat feces, Leishmaniasis (B) is transmitted through sandfly bites, and Malaria (C) is caused by Plasmodium parasites transmitted through mosquito bites. Therefore, these options are incorrect given the patient's presentation and travel history.
Question 3 of 5
Microscopy of dental plaque revealed unicellular organisms. Their cytoplasm had two distinct layers, barely visible core, wide pseudopodia. The patient is most likely to have:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Trichomonas tenax. Trichomonas tenax is a flagellated protozoan that is commonly found in the oral cavity, specifically in dental plaque. The description provided in the question matches the characteristics of Trichomonas tenax, such as unicellular structure, distinct layers in the cytoplasm, wide pseudopodia, and barely visible core. Entamoeba gingivalis (choice A) and Entamoeba histolytica (choice B) are amoebas, not flagellated protozoa, and they do not exhibit the characteristics described in the question. Lamblia (choice C) is also an incorrect choice as it is a different type of protozoan that does not match the description provided.
Question 4 of 5
Which of the following infections is typical for the lower respiratory tract?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Q-fever. Q-fever is typically an infection that affects the lower respiratory tract, causing symptoms like pneumonia. Haemophilus influenzae pharyngitis (choice A) is an upper respiratory tract infection. Ozeana (choice B) and diphtherial croup (choice C) are not specific infections related to the lower respiratory tract. Q-fever stands out as the correct choice due to its association with lower respiratory tract infections.
Question 5 of 5
A wound culture revealed Gram-positive cocci in clusters. The bacteria were catalase-positive and coagulase-negative. What is the most likely microorganism?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Staphylococcus epidermidis. The presence of Gram-positive cocci in clusters indicates a staphylococcal species. The fact that the bacteria are catalase-positive and coagulase-negative further narrow it down to Staphylococcus epidermidis, as this species fits all the given characteristics. - Choice B, Staphylococcus aureus, is coagulase-positive. - Choice C, Streptococcus pyogenes, is a streptococcal species, not staphylococcal. - Choice D, Enterococcus faecalis, is a Gram-positive cocci but is catalase-negative and not typically found in clusters.