ATI RN
Mastering Microbiology Test Bank Questions
Question 1 of 5
A centrifugate of urine sample obtained from patient with suspected renal tuberculosis was used to make a slide mount for microscopy. What method should be used to stain the slide and detect the causative agent?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Zielh-Neelsen stain. This stain is specifically used to detect acid-fast bacteria like Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of renal tuberculosis. The staining process involves using carbol fuchsin to penetrate the mycolic acid layer of the bacterial cell wall, making it resistant to decolorization with acid-alcohol. This allows the red stained bacteria to be visualized under a microscope. Loeffler stain (B) is used for staining bacteria like diphtheria bacilli, Gram stain (C) is used for bacterial classification based on cell wall properties, and Aujeszky stain (D) is not a recognized staining method for detecting acid-fast bacteria.
Question 2 of 5
Which bacterial structure allows for attachment to host cells?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Fimbriae. Fimbriae are hair-like appendages found on the surface of bacteria that enable attachment to host cells. This attachment is crucial for establishing infection. Flagella (A) are used for movement, not attachment. Capsules (C) provide protection and help evade the host immune system, but do not directly facilitate attachment. Endospores (D) are dormant structures for survival, not for attachment to host cells. Fimbriae specifically aid in adherence to host cells, making them the correct choice in this context.
Question 3 of 5
A patient with a deep tissue infection had a wound culture revealing Gram-positive cocci in clusters. The bacteria were catalase-positive and coagulase-negative. What is the most likely causative agent?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Staphylococcus epidermidis. The presence of Gram-positive cocci in clusters that are catalase-positive and coagulase-negative points towards coagulase-negative staphylococci like Staphylococcus epidermidis. Staphylococcus aureus is catalase-positive and coagulase-positive. Streptococcus pyogenes is catalase-negative. Enterococcus faecalis is catalase-negative and not typically seen in clusters. Therefore, the most likely causative agent in this scenario is Staphylococcus epidermidis.
Question 4 of 5
The major function of bacterial flagella is:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Movement of the bacterial cell. Bacterial flagella are whip-like appendages that enable bacteria to move towards nutrients or away from harmful substances. This movement is essential for survival, dispersal, and colonization. Choice A is incorrect because attachment is primarily mediated by other structures like pili. Choice C is incorrect as protein synthesis occurs inside the cell and is not directly related to flagella. Choice D is incorrect as nutrient absorption is typically carried out through specific channels or transport systems, not by flagella.
Question 5 of 5
What is the primary mode of transmission for tetanus?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Contaminated wounds. Tetanus is caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, which enters the body through breaks in the skin such as wounds or cuts. The bacteria produce a toxin that affects the nervous system, leading to muscle stiffness and spasms. Ingestion of contaminated food (choice A) is not a mode of transmission for tetanus. Inhalation of droplets (choice B) is more relevant for respiratory infections. Direct physical contact (choice D) is not the primary mode of transmission for tetanus as the bacteria need a portal of entry such as a wound to cause infection.
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