Question 1

Microorganisms that are capable of forming a protective shell to survive harsh conditions (like heat and chemicals) are called:

Accepted Answer

Spores are the resting stage of certain bacteria (like Bacillus and Clostridium). They are highly resistant to sterilization, which is why they are used as Biological Indicators.

Question 2

Which shape describes 'Cocci' bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Cocci are round (e.g., Streptococcus). Bacilli are rod-shaped. Spirilla are spiral.

Question 3

A 'Healthcare-Associated Infection' (HAI) is:

Accepted Answer

Formerly known as Nosocomial infections, HAIs are acquired within the facility (e.g., surgical site infections from non-sterile instruments).

Question 4

What is the primary difference between a virus and bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Viruses are parasitic and need a host to multiply. Bacteria are independent single-celled organisms.

Question 5

Biofilms are best removed by:

Accepted Answer

The slimy matrix of a biofilm protects the bacteria from heat and chemicals. Mechanical friction (scrubbing) is required to break up the matrix so detergents can work.

Question 6

The term 'Aerobic' bacteria means they require:

Accepted Answer

Aerobic = needs oxygen. Anaerobic = can live without oxygen.

Question 7

Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive bacteria typically found on:

Accepted Answer

Staph is common flora on human skin, making hand hygiene critical to prevent transfer to sterile items.

Question 8

Which of the following is caused by a Prion?

Accepted Answer

CJD is a fatal neurodegenerative disease caused by Prions (misfolded proteins). Instruments from CJD cases require special processing protocols.

Question 9

In the Chain of Infection, the 'Portal of Exit' refers to:

Accepted Answer

To infect a new host, the pathogen must exit the reservoir (source). Blocking the portal of exit (e.g., bandaging a wound) stops the chain.

Question 10

'Fomites' are:

Accepted Answer

Surgical instruments are fomites. If not cleaned, they transmit infection from patient to patient.

Question 11

Standard Precautions assume that:

Accepted Answer

Standard Precautions (Universal Precautions) dictate treating EVERY item from the OR as if it is infectious, requiring full PPE.

Question 12

The measurement of the number of microorganisms on a contaminated object is called:

Accepted Answer

Bioburden is the quantity of microbial life on an object before sterilization. Cleaning reduces bioburden to safe levels.

Question 13

Which bacteria is spiral-shaped and causes Syphilis?

Accepted Answer

Spirochetes are spiral shaped. Treponema pallidum is the classic example.

Question 14

Binary Fission is the process by which:

Accepted Answer

Bacteria reproduce asexually by dividing in half, a process called binary fission.

Question 15

VRE stands for:

Accepted Answer

VRE is a Multi-Drug Resistant Organism (MDRO) that is resistant to the antibiotic Vancomycin.

Question 16

Gram staining differentiates bacteria based on the:

Accepted Answer

Gram staining colors the cell wall purple (positive) or pink (negative) based on the thickness of the peptidoglycan layer.

Question 17

Which organism is commonly associated with gastrointestinal infections and is resistant to alcohol hand rubs (requiring soap and water)?

Accepted Answer

C. diff produces spores that are not killed by alcohol. Mechanical removal via soap and water hand washing is required.

Question 18

The capsule on some bacteria serves to:

Accepted Answer

Capsules make bacteria 'slippery' to immune cells and protect them from desiccation (drying).

Question 19

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is known for being:

Accepted Answer

Pseudomonas thrives in water and is a common cause of infections related to wet medical devices or ophthalmic instruments.

Question 20

An 'Opportunistic' pathogen is one that:

Accepted Answer

Opportunistic pathogens take advantage of a weakened host. They may be normal flora in one area (gut) but pathogenic in another (blood).

Question 21

Vectors in disease transmission are usually:

Accepted Answer

Vectors are living carriers. Fomites are inanimate carriers.

Question 22

Which condition promotes the growth of most bacteria encountered in healthcare?

Accepted Answer

Most human pathogens are mesophiles (moderate temp) and require moisture and darkness to thrive.

Question 23

The cell wall of a bacteria provides:

Accepted Answer

The rigid cell wall maintains the bacteria's characteristic shape (cocci, bacilli, etc.).

Question 24

Which virus is a bloodborne pathogen of major concern to CS technicians?

Accepted Answer

Hepatitis B (and C and HIV) is transmitted via blood. Needlesticks or splashes in decon pose a significant risk.

Question 25

Fungi include:

Accepted Answer

Fungi are a separate kingdom including single-celled yeasts (Candida) and multi-celled molds.

Question 26

What is the unit of measurement for bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Bacteria are measured in microns (1/25,000 of an inch).

Question 27

Which microorganism is used to test the efficacy of low-temperature Ozone sterilization?

Accepted Answer

Geobacillus stearothermophilus is the challenge organism for Ozone, H2O2 Plasma, and Steam.

Question 28

In the Gram stain, Gram-negative bacteria appear:

Accepted Answer

Gram-negative bacteria have thin walls that lose the purple dye and take up the pink counterstain (Safranin).

Question 29

Protozoa are:

Accepted Answer

Protozoa are complex single-celled organisms, often found in water (e.g., Giardia).

Question 30

Which factor does NOT directly affect the growth of bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Bacteria need food, acidity balance (pH), time, temp, oxygen, and moisture (FATTOM). Noise does not affect them.

Microbiology Practice Questions

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