Question 1

Direct examinations such as the Gram stain serve what purpose?

Accepted Answer

A) To assess the quality of the specimen 
B) To give the physician an early indication of what may be wrong with the patient 
C) To guide the workup of the specimen 
D) All of the above are correct. 
A) To assess the quality of the specimen 
B) To give the physician an early indication of what may be wrong with the patient 
C) To guide the workup of the specimen 
D) All of the above are correct. D

Question 2

Accurate and rapid presumptive identification

Accepted Answer

A) can many times provide valuable information to clinicians in the early stages of disease. 
B) can many times be accomplished by simple procedures in the laboratory. 
C) can sometimes shorten hospitalization time and save money. 
D) may save lives of infectious disease patients. 
E) All of the above are correct. 
A) can many times provide valuable information to clinicians in the early stages of disease. 
B) can many times be accomplished by simple procedures in the laboratory. 
C) can sometimes shorten hospitalization time and save money. 
D) may save lives of infectious disease patients. 
E) All of the above are correct. E

Question 3

Definitive identification of clinically significant isolates

Accepted Answer

A) is always necessary and should be carried out by the laboratory at all times. 
B) is desirable in most cases but sometimes limited identification may be necessary and helpful. 
C) is often not cost effective and should be done only when requested by the attending physician. 
D) is not necessary in most cases and should not be done routinely by the laboratory. 
A) is always necessary and should be carried out by the laboratory at all times. 
B) is desirable in most cases but sometimes limited identification may be necessary and helpful. 
C) is often not cost effective and should be done only when requested by the attending physician. 
D) is not necessary in most cases and should not be done routinely by the laboratory. B

Question 4

A principal role of the clinical microbiologist includes

Accepted Answer

A) communicating information about the patient quickly and accurately in both verbal and written formats. 
B) assisting in providing accurate infectious disease diagnosis. 
C) devising and updating laboratory testing and protocols to provide optimum disease management. 
D) all of the above. 
A) communicating information about the patient quickly and accurately in both verbal and written formats. 
B) assisting in providing accurate infectious disease diagnosis. 
C) devising and updating laboratory testing and protocols to provide optimum disease management. 
D) all of the above.

Question 5

Rejection of inappropriately collected or transported specimens

Accepted Answer

A) is the sole responsibility of the laboratory and should be done without regard to physician requests. 
B) should be initiated by laboratory personnel but approved by nursing or physician staff responsible for the care of the patient. 
C) is not in the best interest of patient care and should not be considered appropriate. 
D) is the responsibility of nursing staff and should not be an issue for laboratory personnel. 
A) is the sole responsibility of the laboratory and should be done without regard to physician requests. 
B) should be initiated by laboratory personnel but approved by nursing or physician staff responsible for the care of the patient. 
C) is not in the best interest of patient care and should not be considered appropriate. 
D) is the responsibility of nursing staff and should not be an issue for laboratory personnel.

Question 6

Which type of media is designed to distinguish microorganisms on the basis of certain growth characteristics?

Accepted Answer

A) Selective 
B) Nutritive 
C) Differential 
D) Definitive 
A) Selective 
B) Nutritive 
C) Differential 
D) Definitive

Question 7

Selection of media to inoculate for any given specimen is usually based on

Accepted Answer

A) the characteristics of the organisms most likely to be involved in the disease process. 
B) the likelihood and types of normal flora present at the site. 
C) the most likely pathogens of the suspected disease. 
D) All of the above are true. 
A) the characteristics of the organisms most likely to be involved in the disease process. 
B) the likelihood and types of normal flora present at the site. 
C) the most likely pathogens of the suspected disease. 
D) All of the above are true.

Question 8

Capnophiles grow best in

Accepted Answer

A) ambient air, which contains 21% oxygen (O₂) and a small amount (0.03%) of carbon dioxide. 
B) increased concentrations of CO₂ (5% to 10%) and approximately 15% O₂. 
C) Five percent to 10% hydrogen (H₂), 5% to 10% CO₂, 80% to 90% nitrogen (N₂), and 0% O₂. 
D) Reduced O₂ (5% to 10%) and increased CO₂ (8% to 10%). 
A) ambient air, which contains 21% oxygen (O₂) and a small amount (0.03%) of carbon dioxide. 
B) increased concentrations of CO₂ (5% to 10%) and approximately 15% O₂. 
C) Five percent to 10% hydrogen (H₂), 5% to 10% CO₂, 80% to 90% nitrogen (N₂), and 0% O₂. 
D) Reduced O₂ (5% to 10%) and increased CO₂ (8% to 10%).

Question 9

Specimens for microbiologic studies should be

Accepted Answer

A) transported to the laboratory within 30 minutes of collection. 
B) contained in specimen containers that are leak-proof. 
C) transported within sealable, leak-proof, plastic bags with a separate section for paperwork. 
D) clearly marked with a biohazard label. 
E) All of the above are correct. 
A) transported to the laboratory within 30 minutes of collection. 
B) contained in specimen containers that are leak-proof. 
C) transported within sealable, leak-proof, plastic bags with a separate section for paperwork. 
D) clearly marked with a biohazard label. 
E) All of the above are correct.

Question 10

Five percent to 10% hydrogen (H₂), 5% to 10% CO₂, 80% to 90% nitrogen (N₂), and 0% O₂ is the environmental condition that best suits which type of organism?

Accepted Answer

A) Aerobes 
B) Anaerobes 
C) Capnophiles 
D) Microaerophiles 
A) Aerobes 
B) Anaerobes 
C) Capnophiles 
D) Microaerophiles

Question 11

Selective media is designed especially to

Accepted Answer

A) support the growth of a wide range of microorganisms. 
B) distinguish microorganisms on the basis of certain growth characteristics. 
C) support the growth of one group of organisms, but not another, by containing antimicrobials, dyes, or alcohol. 
D) enhance the growth of pathogens and discourage the growth of commensals. 
A) support the growth of a wide range of microorganisms. 
B) distinguish microorganisms on the basis of certain growth characteristics. 
C) support the growth of one group of organisms, but not another, by containing antimicrobials, dyes, or alcohol. 
D) enhance the growth of pathogens and discourage the growth of commensals.

Question 12

Holding media such as Stuart's medium and Amie's medium are used

Accepted Answer

A) to maintain the viability of microorganisms present in a specimen. 
B) to support the growth and multiplication of any pathogenic organisms present. 
C) to prevent clotting of specimens such as blood, bone marrow, and synovial fluid. 
D) All of the above are true. 
A) to maintain the viability of microorganisms present in a specimen. 
B) to support the growth and multiplication of any pathogenic organisms present. 
C) to prevent clotting of specimens such as blood, bone marrow, and synovial fluid. 
D) All of the above are true.

Question 13

Increased concentrations of CO₂ (5% to 10%) and approximately 15% O₂ is the environmental condition that best suits which type of organism?

Accepted Answer

A) Aerobes 
B) Anaerobes 
C) Capnophiles 
D) Microaerophiles 
A) Aerobes 
B) Anaerobes 
C) Capnophiles 
D) Microaerophiles

Question 14

Nutritive media is designed especially to

Accepted Answer

A) support the growth of a wide range of microorganisms. 
B) distinguish microorganisms on the basis of certain growth characteristics. 
C) support the growth of one group of organisms, but not another, by containing antimicrobials, dyes, or alcohol. 
D) enhance the growth of pathogens and discourage the growth of commensals. 
A) support the growth of a wide range of microorganisms. 
B) distinguish microorganisms on the basis of certain growth characteristics. 
C) support the growth of one group of organisms, but not another, by containing antimicrobials, dyes, or alcohol. 
D) enhance the growth of pathogens and discourage the growth of commensals.

Question 15

Ambient air, which contains 21% oxygen (O₂) and a small amount (0.03%) of carbon dioxide (CO₂) is the environmental condition that best suits which type of organism?

Accepted Answer

A) Aerobes 
B) Anaerobes 
C) Capnophiles 
D) Microaerophiles 
A) Aerobes 
B) Anaerobes 
C) Capnophiles 
D) Microaerophiles

Question 16

Aerobes grow best in

Accepted Answer

A) ambient air, which contains 21% oxygen (O₂) and a small amount (0.03%) of carbon dioxide. 
B) increased concentrations of CO₂ (5% to 10%) and approximately 15% O₂. 
C) Five percent to 10% hydrogen (H₂), 5% to 10% CO₂, 80% to 90% nitrogen (N₂), and 0% O₂. 
D) Reduced O₂ (5% to 10%) and increased CO₂ (8% to 10%). 
A) ambient air, which contains 21% oxygen (O₂) and a small amount (0.03%) of carbon dioxide. 
B) increased concentrations of CO₂ (5% to 10%) and approximately 15% O₂. 
C) Five percent to 10% hydrogen (H₂), 5% to 10% CO₂, 80% to 90% nitrogen (N₂), and 0% O₂. 
D) Reduced O₂ (5% to 10%) and increased CO₂ (8% to 10%).

Question 17

Differential media is designed especially to

Accepted Answer

A) support the growth of a wide range of microorganisms. 
B) distinguish microorganisms on the basis of certain growth characteristics. 
C) support the growth of one group of organisms, but not another, by containing antimicrobials, dyes, or alcohol. 
D) enhance the growth of pathogens and discourage the growth of commensals. 
A) support the growth of a wide range of microorganisms. 
B) distinguish microorganisms on the basis of certain growth characteristics. 
C) support the growth of one group of organisms, but not another, by containing antimicrobials, dyes, or alcohol. 
D) enhance the growth of pathogens and discourage the growth of commensals.

Question 18

Anaerobes grow best in

Accepted Answer

A) ambient air, which contains 21% oxygen (O₂) and a small amount (0.03%) of carbon dioxide. 
B) increased concentrations of CO₂ (5% to 10%) and approximately 15% O₂. 
C) Five percent to 10% hydrogen (H₂), 5% to 10% CO₂, 80% to 90% nitrogen (N₂), and 0% O₂. 
D) Reduced O₂ (5% to 10%) and increased CO₂ (8% to 10%). 
A) ambient air, which contains 21% oxygen (O₂) and a small amount (0.03%) of carbon dioxide. 
B) increased concentrations of CO₂ (5% to 10%) and approximately 15% O₂. 
C) Five percent to 10% hydrogen (H₂), 5% to 10% CO₂, 80% to 90% nitrogen (N₂), and 0% O₂. 
D) Reduced O₂ (5% to 10%) and increased CO₂ (8% to 10%).

Question 19

Which type of media is designed to support the growth of one group of organisms, but not another, by containing antimicrobials, dyes, or alcohol?

Accepted Answer

A) Selective 
B) Nutritive 
C) Differential 
D) Definitive 
A) Selective 
B) Nutritive 
C) Differential 
D) Definitive

Question 20

Reduced O₂ (5% to 10%) and increased CO₂ (8% to 10%) is the environmental condition that best suits which type of organism?

Accepted Answer

A) Aerobes 
B) Anaerobes 
C) Capnophiles 
D) Microaerophiles 
A) Aerobes 
B) Anaerobes 
C) Capnophiles 
D) Microaerophiles

Exam 5: Specimen Management

Direct examinations such as the Gram stain serve what purpose?

Accurate and rapid presumptive identification

Definitive identification of clinically significant isolates

A principal role of the clinical microbiologist includes

Rejection of inappropriately collected or transported specimens

Which type of media is designed to distinguish microorganisms on the basis of certain growth characteristics?

Selection of media to inoculate for any given specimen is usually based on

Capnophiles grow best in

Specimens for microbiologic studies should be

Five percent to 10% hydrogen (H₂), 5% to 10% CO₂, 80% to 90% nitrogen (N₂), and 0% O₂ is the environmental condition that best suits which type of organism?

Selective media is designed especially to

Holding media such as Stuart's medium and Amie's medium are used

Increased concentrations of CO₂ (5% to 10%) and approximately 15% O₂ is the environmental condition that best suits which type of organism?

Nutritive media is designed especially to

Ambient air, which contains 21% oxygen (O₂) and a small amount (0.03%) of carbon dioxide (CO₂) is the environmental condition that best suits which type of organism?

Aerobes grow best in

Differential media is designed especially to

Anaerobes grow best in

Which type of media is designed to support the growth of one group of organisms, but not another, by containing antimicrobials, dyes, or alcohol?

Reduced O₂ (5% to 10%) and increased CO₂ (8% to 10%) is the environmental condition that best suits which type of organism?

Microbial Taxonomy

Bacterial Genetics Metabolism and Structure

Host-Microorganism Interactions

Laboratory Safety

Role of Microscopy

Traditional Cultivation and Identification

Nucleic Acid-Based Analytic Methods for Microbial Identification and Characterization

Immunochemical Methods Used for Organism Detection

Serologic Diagnosis of Infectious Diseases

Principles of Antimicrobial Action Resistance

Laboratory Methods and Strategies for Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing

Staphylococcus, Micrococcus, and Similar Organisms

Streptococcus, Enterococcus, and Similar Organisms

Bacillus and Similar Organisms

Listeria, Corynebacterium, and Similar Organisms

Erysipelothirix, Lactobacillus, and Similar Organisms

Nocardia, Streptomyces, Rhodococcus, Oerskovia, and Similar Organisms

Enterobacteriaceae

Acinetobacter, Stenotrophomonas, and Other Organisms

Pseudomonas, Burkholderia, and Similar Organisms

Achromobacter, Rhizobium, Ochrobactrum, and Similar Organisms

Chryseobacterium, Sphingobacterium, and Similar Organisms

Alcaligenes, Bordetella Nonpertussis, Comamonas, and Similar Organisms

Vibrio, Aeromonas, Plesiomonas Shigelloides, and Chromobacterium Violaceum

Sphingomonas Paucimobilis and Similar Organisms

Moraxella

Eikenella Corrodens and Similar Organisms

Pasteurella and Similar Organisms

Actinobacillus, Kingella, Cardiobacterium, Capnocytophaga, and Similar Organisms

Haemophilus

Bartonella and Afipia

Campylobacter, Arcobacter, and Helicobacter

Legionella

Brucella

Bordetella Pertussis and Bordetella Parapertussis

Francisella

Streptobacillus Moniliformis and Spirillum Minus

Neisseria and Moraxella Catarrhalis

Overview and General Considerations

Laboratory Considerations

Mycobacteria

Obligate Intracellular and Nonculturable Bacterial Agents

Cell Wall-Deficient Bacteria: Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma

The Spirochetes

Laboratory Methods for Diagnosis of Parasitic Infections

Laboratory Methods in Basic Mycology

Laboratory Methods in Basic Virology

Bloodstream Infections

Infections of the Lower Respiratory Tract

Upper Respiratory Tract Infections and Other Infections of the Oral Cavity and Neck

Meningitis and Other Infections of the Central Nervous Systems

Infections of the Eyes, Ears, and Sinuses

Infections of the Urinary Tract

Genital Tract Infections

Gastrointestinal Tract Infections

Skin, Soft Tissue, and Wound Infections

Normally Sterile Body Fluids, Bone and Bone Marrow, and Solid Tissues

Laboratory Physical Design, Management, and Organization

Quality in the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory