ATI RN
microbiology chapter 14 test bank Questions
Question 1 of 9
Which bacterium is known for producing a green pigment called pyocyanin?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Pseudomonas aeruginosa. P. aeruginosa is known for producing pyocyanin, a green pigment. This bacterium is commonly associated with infections in immunocompromised individuals. Staphylococcus aureus (choice A) produces golden-yellow pigments, not green. Escherichia coli (choice C) and Clostridium difficile (choice D) do not produce pyocyanin. Therefore, the correct choice is B based on the characteristic pigment produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Question 2 of 9
Which of the following statements is accurate in explaining why gram-negative bacteria are generally more resistant to penicillin than gram-positive bacteria
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: gram-negative bacteria have an outer membrane that acts as an extra barrier. This outer membrane in gram-negative bacteria contains lipopolysaccharides and porins, which restrict the entry of antibiotics like penicillin. The outer membrane acts as an additional layer of protection, making it harder for penicillin to penetrate and reach its target, the peptidoglycan layer. Choices A, B, and D do not directly address the specific mechanism of resistance seen in gram-negative bacteria. Choice A focuses on transpeptidase enzyme quantity, which is not the primary reason for penicillin resistance. Choice B refers to β-lactamase enzymes in the periplasmic space, which are actually enzymes that degrade penicillin and contribute to resistance, but this is not unique to gram-negative bacteria. Choice D mentions a thicker cell wall, which is a characteristic of gram-positive bacteria, not gram-negative bacteria.
Question 3 of 9
In the micropreparation made from patient's regional lymph node punctate and stained according to Romanovsky-Giemsa method, the doctor found out thin microorganisms with 12-14 equal ringlets and pale- pink sharp pointes 10-13 mkm in length. The pathogen of what disease is it about?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The thin microorganisms described with 12-14 equal ringlets and pale-pink sharp points are characteristic of Borrelia spirochetes, the causative agent of relapsing fever. The ringlet appearance corresponds to the characteristic coiled structure of Borrelia spirochetes. The length of 10-13 mkm falls within the typical size range of Borrelia spirochetes. This pathogen is commonly identified in Romanovsky-Giemsa stained samples from patients with relapsing fever. Summary of other choices: A: Leishmaniasis - Leishmania parasites are larger and do not have the described ringlets or pale-pink sharp points. B: Leptospirosis - Leptospira bacteria are not described as having ringlets or pale-pink sharp points. C: Surra - Surra is caused by Trypanosoma evansi, and the description does not match the characteristics of this parasite.
Question 4 of 9
Virulence
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because virulence refers to the degree of pathogenicity of a microorganism, which can vary and is not a constant characteristic. It can be measured using LD50, which is the lethal dose that kills 50% of the test population. Therefore, all the statements in options A, B, and C are true and collectively provide a comprehensive understanding of virulence.
Question 5 of 9
Which of the following bacteria produce endotoxins that can lead to septic shock?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because all three bacteria listed (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) can produce endotoxins that can lead to septic shock. Endotoxins are lipopolysaccharides found in the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria like E. coli and P. aeruginosa. Staphylococcus aureus, a Gram-positive bacterium, can also produce endotoxins called superantigens that can trigger a massive immune response leading to septic shock. Therefore, all of the above choices are correct. Choices A, B, and C alone are incorrect because they do not account for the fact that all three bacteria listed produce endotoxins that can cause septic shock.
Question 6 of 9
A 23-year old medical student arrives in the student health clinic complaining of difficult in swallowing, sore throat, and chills. Upon examination, she is found to be running a fever and has white patches on her tonsils. A throat swab is positive for streptococcus pyogenes (group A). A diagnosis of acute pharyngitis is made. Her past medical history is unremarkable except an anaphylactic reaction to cefaclor two years ago. Which of the following would be a safe alternative for treating?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Clindamycin. Clindamycin is a lincosamide antibiotic that is safe to use in patients with a history of anaphylaxis to beta-lactam antibiotics like cefaclor. Clindamycin is effective against streptococcus pyogenes and is a suitable alternative in this case. Amoxicillin (choice A) is a beta-lactam antibiotic similar to cefaclor and may cause a cross-reactive allergic reaction. Meropenem (choice B) is a carbapenem antibiotic and not typically used for acute pharyngitis. Cephalexin (choice C) is a cephalosporin antibiotic and may also cause cross-reactivity in patients with a history of anaphylaxis to cefaclor.
Question 7 of 9
A smear of pus from an abscess revealed Gram-positive cocci in clusters. The culture was catalase-positive and coagulase-positive. What microorganism was isolated?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Staphylococcus aureus. This bacterium is Gram-positive cocci in clusters, catalase-positive, and coagulase-positive. Staphylococcus aureus is a common pathogen causing abscesses. Streptococcus pyogenes (B) is Gram-positive cocci in chains, not clusters. Micrococcus luteus (C) is catalase-positive but coagulase-negative. Enterococcus faecalis (D) is catalase-negative and coagulase-negative.
Question 8 of 9
Which of the following is a disease caused by a protozoan?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasmosis is caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii. The rationale for this is that protozoa are single-celled organisms that can cause diseases in humans. Cat scratch disease (A) is caused by a bacterium, Bartonella henselae. Relapsing fever (C) is caused by the bacterium Borrelia recurrentis. Plague (D) is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. Therefore, the only choice caused by a protozoan is toxoplasmosis, making it the correct answer.
Question 9 of 9
A child cut his leg with a piece of glass while playing and was brought to the clinic for the injection of tetanus toxoid. In order to prevent the development of anaphylactic shock the serum was administered by Bezredka method. What mechanism underlies this method of desensitization of the body?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Binding of IgE fixed to the mast cells. The Bezredka method involves injecting small, gradually increasing doses of the antigen (tetanus toxoid) to desensitize the body and prevent anaphylactic shock. This process works by binding the IgE antibodies fixed to mast cells, thereby reducing the release of allergic mediators like histamine. This prevents the cascade of events that lead to anaphylactic shock. Choice B (Blocking the mediator synthesis in the mast cells) is incorrect because the Bezredka method does not block mediator synthesis but rather prevents the release of mediators by binding IgE. Choice C (Stimulation of immune tolerance to the antigen) is incorrect as the Bezredka method does not primarily focus on inducing immune tolerance but rather on preventing anaphylactic reactions. Choice D (Stimulation of the synthesis of antigen-specific IgG) is incorrect because the Bezredka method targets IgE antibodies on mast cells