Question 1

Which of the following are identified as opportunistic yeast pathogens?
1) Candida albicans
2) Cryptococcus neoformans
3) Aspergillus
4) Mycoplasma

Accepted Answer

1) Candida albicans and 2) Cryptococcus neoformans are indeed opportunistic yeast pathogens. Aspergillus, although not a yeast but a mold, is also considered an opportunistic pathogen. Mycoplasma is a type of bacteria, not a fungus, and therefore not classified among yeast or mold pathogens.

Question 2

Pulmonary function testing results on a patient with advanced fungal pneumonia will display which of the following?
1) Increased ERV
2) Decreased IRV
3) Decreased IC
4) Increased TLC

Accepted Answer

Advanced fungal pneumonia can lead to restrictive lung disease, which is characterized by a decrease in lung volumes. This includes a decrease in Inspiratory Reserve Volume (IRV) and Inspiratory Capacity (IC), but not an increase in Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV) or Total Lung Capacity (TLC), which are more likely to decrease or remain unchanged, respectively.

Question 3

In the Midwestern part of the United States, what is the most common fungal infection of the lungs?

Accepted Answer

Histoplasmosis is the most common fungal infection of the lungs in the Midwestern United States, caused by the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum, which thrives in soil enriched with bird or bat droppings.

Question 4

Which parts of the lungs are most commonly affected by a fungal infection?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which parts of the lungs are most...

Question 5

A patient lives in Cleveland and has HIV and a weakened immune system. What fungal infection is the patient at risk for developing?

Accepted Answer

Disseminated histoplasmosis is a fungal infection that can occur in individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV. Histoplasma, the fungus that causes histoplasmosis, is commonly found in the soil in certain areas, including parts of the Midwest and Eastern United States, which includes Cleveland.

Question 6

After cleaning out his chicken coop, a farmer has developed a fungal lung infection. What type of infection is it most likely to be?

Accepted Answer

Histoplasmosis is a fungal infection caused by inhaling spores of the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum, often found in bird and bat droppings, including environments like chicken coops.

Question 7

Which of the following is a disadvantage of the fungal culture test?

Accepted Answer

Fungal culture tests can take a long time, often 4 weeks or longer, for the fungus to grow, which is a significant disadvantage, especially when a quick diagnosis is needed for treatment.

Question 8

What is the standard treatment for a lung abscess caused by an anaerobic pathogen?

Accepted Answer

Clindamycin is effective against anaerobic bacteria and is commonly used to treat lung abscesses caused by these pathogens.

Question 9

During the advanced stages of a fungal lung infection, which of the following is commonly seen on the chest radiograph?

Accepted Answer

In advanced stages of a fungal lung infection, cavities are commonly seen on chest radiographs due to tissue necrosis and the body's attempt to isolate the infection.

Question 10

Severe acute respiratory syndrome is believed to be caused by:

Accepted Answer

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) is caused by a strain of coronavirus, specifically the SARS-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV).

Question 11

Fungal lung infections are usually spread by:

Accepted Answer

Fungal lung infections are primarily spread by inhaling spores from the environment, not through blood, contact with infected sputum, or inhaling infected droplets. These spores are often found in soil or in the droppings of birds and bats, and when disturbed, can become airborne and inhaled into the lungs, leading to infection.

Question 12

A skin test is available to confirm which of the following fungal infections?

Accepted Answer

Coccidioidomycosis, also known as Valley Fever, can be confirmed with a skin test, which measures the immune response to the fungus Coccidioides immitis or Coccidioides posadasii.

Question 13

The respiratory therapist heard a pleural friction rub while performing a chest assessment on a patient with a lung abscess. What does this likely indicate?

Accepted Answer

A pleural friction rub is a sound heard during auscultation that indicates inflammation and rubbing between the pleural layers, which often occurs when a lung abscess is located near the pleural surface.

Question 14

Which type of fungal lung infection frequently results in productive cough with purulent sputum?

Accepted Answer

Blastomycosis is a fungal infection that can affect the lungs, often resulting in symptoms such as a productive cough with purulent sputum.

Question 15

What is the recommended treatment for a lung abscess caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)?

Accepted Answer

Linezolid is recommended for the treatment of infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), including lung abscesses, because it is specifically effective against this resistant strain.

Question 16

Fungal diseases can cause which type of pulmonary disorder?

Accepted Answer

Fungal diseases can lead to chronic restrictive pulmonary disorders by causing inflammation and fibrosis in lung tissue, which restricts lung expansion.

Question 17

What is considered to be the gold standard for the diagnosis of histoplasmosis?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is considered to be the gold...

Question 18

Anatomic alterations found in the lungs of patients with a fungal infection include:
1) fibrosis of lung parenchyma.
2) alveolar-capillary destruction.
3) hyperinflation.
4) mucosal edema.

Accepted Answer

Fibrosis of lung parenchyma and alveolar-capillary destruction are anatomic alterations found in the lungs of patients with a fungal infection.

Quiz 18: Pneumonia, Lung Abscess Formation, and Important Fungal Diseases

Which of the following are identified as opportunistic yeast pathogens? 1) Candida albicans 2) Cryptococcus neoformans 3) Aspergillus 4) Mycoplasma

Pulmonary function testing results on a patient with advanced fungal pneumonia will display which of the following? 1) Increased ERV 2) Decreased IRV 3) Decreased IC 4) Increased TLC