ATI RN
microbiology an introduction 13th edition test bank Questions
Question 1 of 5
The decrease in blood clotting by heparin occurs at which general site of action?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Extracellular. Heparin works by inhibiting clotting factors in the blood outside of cells, preventing the formation of blood clots. It does not directly affect cellular, neuromuscular, or intracellular processes. By targeting extracellular factors, heparin effectively reduces the ability of blood to clot, making it an effective anticoagulant. The other choices are incorrect because heparin does not act on cellular, neuromuscular, or intracellular sites in the body to decrease blood clotting.
Question 2 of 5
A blood culture from a patient with sepsis revealed Gram-positive cocci in clusters. The organism was catalase-positive and coagulase-negative. What is the most likely causative agent?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Staphylococcus epidermidis. Step 1: Gram-positive cocci in clusters suggest staphylococci. Step 2: Catalase-positive and coagulase-negative narrows it down to Staphylococcus epidermidis, as it is catalase-positive and coagulase-negative. Staphylococcus aureus (B) is catalase-positive and coagulase-positive. Streptococcus pyogenes (C) is catalase-negative. Enterococcus faecalis (D) is catalase-negative and coagulase-negative.
Question 3 of 5
Microorganisms that show optimal growth in moderate temperatures (between 25° C and 40° C) are called:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: mesophiles. Mesophiles are microorganisms that thrive in moderate temperatures, typically between 25°C and 40°C. This temperature range is ideal for their growth and reproduction. Thermophiles (A) prefer high temperatures, psychrophiles (B) thrive in cold temperatures, and psychrotrophs (D) can grow at refrigeration temperatures but have an optimal range above 20°C. Therefore, the mesophiles are the best fit for organisms that show optimal growth in moderate temperatures.
Question 4 of 5
The most common urinary tract pathogen is:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Escherichia coli. E.coli is the most common urinary tract pathogen due to its ability to adhere to and infect the urinary tract epithelium. It accounts for approximately 80-85% of urinary tract infections. It possesses specific virulence factors that enable it to colonize and cause infection in the urinary tract. Proteus mirabilis (A) is known for causing complicated UTIs, but it is less common than E.coli. Staphylococcus aureus (B) is not a common urinary pathogen. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (D) is more commonly associated with hospital-acquired infections, rather than community-acquired urinary tract infections.
Question 5 of 5
A Gram-stained smear from a urethral discharge revealed Gram-negative diplococci. The patient presented with dysuria and purulent discharge. What is the likely causative agent?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Neisseria gonorrhoeae. This bacterium is the likely causative agent of the patient's symptoms based on the presentation of dysuria and purulent discharge, which are classic signs of gonorrhea. Gram-negative diplococci are characteristic of Neisseria species. Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a sexually transmitted pathogen commonly associated with urethral infections. Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Proteus mirabilis are not typically associated with urethral discharge and are not Gram-negative diplococci.