Deck 40: Introduction to Microbiology

Question 1

What is the most important reason for a nurse to understand pathogenic microorganisms?

A) To prevent the spread of diseases caused by microorganisms
B) To know which microorganisms cause which infectious diseases
C) To classify different microorganisms based on their characteristics
D) To identify genus and species of different microorganisms

Answer 1

To prevent the spread of diseases caused by microorganisms

Question 2

What characteristic of a microorganism is referred to as irritability?

A) Its ability to utilize nutrients
B) Its response to the environment
C) Its ability to move from place to place
D) Its ability to group together to form colonies

Answer 2

Its response to the environment

Question 3

What type of microorganism causes athlete's foot infections?

A) Algae
B) Fungi
C) Yeast
D) Mold

Answer 3

Fungi

Question 4

What type of microorganism causes a Candida albicans infection?

A) Algae
B) Fungi
C) Yeast
D) Mold

Question 5

Which environmental factor related to the growth of microorganisms should the nurse be aware of when caring for a client infected by a microorganism?

A) Lack of oxygen because most microorganisms do not require oxygen for growth
B) A key ingredient in microbial growth is the presence of inorganic nutrients
C) Microorganisms require water or moisture to grow
D) Generally, microorganisms survive in acidic environments

Question 6

What is the effect of cold temperatures on the growth of microorganisms?

A) Most pathogenic microorganisms flourish at cold temperatures.
B) Cold temperatures often significantly slow the growth of microorganisms.
C) Cold temperatures usually kill most microorganisms.
D) Refrigeration is used to kill bacterial growth in food.

Question 7

Which diagnostic test can identify the pathogenic microorganism responsible for a client's urinary tract inflection?

A) Complete blood count
B) Urinalysis
C) Gram stain
D) Culture and sensitivity test

Question 8

A client with severe burning sensation on urination is prescribed a diagnostic culture and sensitivity test. What are the purposes of this test? Select all that apply.

A) Identifies the pathogenic microorganism
B) Determines which treatment will eliminate the microorganism
C) Determines if oxygen will be used as part of the treatment
D) Monitors the microorganism's response to therapy
E) Identifies any existing allergies

Question 9

Which statement is accurate about gram-positive stain result? Select all that apply.

A) The bacterial cell envelope is a thick layer of murein.
B) Under the microscope the bacterial organism has a purple color.
C) The viral cell envelope is a thin layer of murein.
D) The viral organism has a light pink color when viewed microscopically.
E) The test is designed to identify the stain result in both bacteria and viruses.

Question 10

How are bacteria classified? Select all that apply.

A) Shape
B) Gram stain
C) Motility
D) Flagella
E) Relationship with iron

Question 11

A nurse is caring for a client with symptoms of a bacterial infection. What instructions should the nurse provide to the client to help prevent the development of drug-resistant microorganisms and the spread of disease? Select all that apply.

A) Take only prescribed antimicrobial medications.
B) Take antimicrobial medications for the entire period prescribed.
C) Take antimicrobial medications for severe viral infections.
D) Share antimicrobial medications among those in close contact with an infected client.
E) Take antimicrobial medications to prevent acquiring a bacterial infection.

Question 12

Why should the nurse discourage a client from taking "leftover antimicrobial medication"?

A) The strength of antimicrobial medications can reach toxic levels as they age
B) The antimicrobial medication losses all effectiveness once it reaches its expiration date
C) Taking inappropriate antimicrobial medication can result in the development of resistant strains of microorganism
D) Antimicrobial medications exposed to the light and to heat deteriorate rapidly.

Question 13

What intervention should the nurse teach the client help prevent the spread of MRSA?

A) Suggest the client increase fluid intake.
B) Heat food thoroughly in the microwave.
C) Refrigerate food that contains dairy or egg products.
D) Wash hands thoroughly after using the bathroom.

Question 14

Which client would be most at risk for developing a nosocomial infection?

A) An 8-year-old in the emergency department with a fractured wrist
B) A 26-year-old woman in her second trimester of pregnancy
C) A 66-year-old client with chronic pulmonary disease
D) An 88-year-old client on steroid medications

Question 15

A 50-year-old client with breast cancer has had a double mastectomy. Which factor would have the greatest influence on this client's risk for developing an infection?

A) Age
B) Bilateral surgical incisions
C) History of depression
D) Cancer diagnosis

Question 16

What is the effect of the toxins produced by infection-causing microorganisms?

A) They destroy mucous membranes.
B) They interrupt cellular metabolism.
C) They stop carbohydrate synthesis.
D) They cause chronic fatigue.

Question 17

What assessment finding supports the diagnosis of thrush?

A) Redness of the tongue
B) White growth in the mouth
C) Dry patches on the skin
D) Ulcer in the mouth

Question 18

A nurse is caring for a client with an infection. Which intervention will have the greatest impact on preventing the transmission of pathogens?

A) Limiting contact with the client
B) Admitting the client to a private room
C) Appropriate handwashing
D) Using gloves when providing client care

Question 19

What instruction should the nurse provide the client to prevent transmission of whooping cough?

A) Avoid going outdoors.
B) Wear a mask.
C) Wash hands carefully.
D) Keep the environment moist.

Question 20

Which intervention should the nurse implement to break the infection chain at the vehicle of transmission level?

A) Carefully cover all infected wounds.
B) Remove linens and shake them properly.
C) Avoid reuse of equipment and supplies.
D) Recap the needles carefully after use.

Question 21

What is the correct sequence of the phases of an infection?
1) Convalescence stage
2) Full stage of illness
3) Incubation period
4) Prodromal stage

A) 1, 2, 3, 4
B) 2, 4, 1, 3
C) 3, 4, 2, 1
D) 4, 1, 3, 2

Question 22

What is the correct sequence for the chain of infection?
1) Pathogenic microorganism
2) Portal of entry
3) Portal of exit
4) Reservoir
5) Susceptible host
6) Vehicle of transmission

A) 1, 4, 3, 6, 2, 5
B) 2, 4, 6, 3, 5, 2
C) 3, 6, 2, 1, 4, 5
D) 4, 3, 2, 5, 6, 1

Question 23

A nurse is conducting a seminar on Trichomonas vaginalis. Which information should the nurse include in this seminar? Select all that apply.

A) Causes urinary tract infections in men
B) Often transmitted by sexual intercourse
C) Spreads to communities through contaminated water
D) Many resistant strains of the microorganism exist
E) Causes vaginal infections in women