The term "mutations" refers to:

permanent, inheritable changes to DNA

an organism that is capable of causing disease

the severity of a disease that an organism is able to cause

a substance that can inhibit the growth of bacteria

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. Permanent, inheritable changes to DNA:

Mutations are alterations or changes in the DNA sequence of an organism's genome. These changes can be permanent and heritable, meaning they are passed on to offspring during reproduction. Mutations can occur spontaneously or be induced by various factors such as environmental agents, radiation, or errors in DNA replication or repair mechanisms. These changes can lead to variations in traits among individuals within a population and are essential for the process of evolution.

B. An organism that is capable of causing disease:

This definition refers to the term "pathogen." Pathogens are organisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, that are capable of causing disease in their hosts. Pathogens can infect humans, animals, plants, or other organisms and can lead to a wide range of diseases, from mild infections to life-threatening illnesses.

C. The severity of a disease that an organism is able to cause:

This definition refers to the term "virulence." Virulence is a measure of the severity or harmfulness of a pathogen, indicating its ability to cause disease in a host organism. Highly virulent pathogens are more likely to cause severe illness or death, while less virulent pathogens may cause milder symptoms or asymptomatic infections. Virulence factors, such as toxins, adhesion molecules, or evasion mechanisms, contribute to the pathogen's ability to cause disease.

D. A substance that can inhibit the growth of bacteria:

This definition refers to the term "antibiotic." Antibiotics are chemical substances produced by microorganisms, fungi, or synthesized in the laboratory that can inhibit the growth of or kill bacteria. Antibiotics are commonly used to treat bacterial infections and work by targeting specific bacterial structures or metabolic processes, thereby disrupting bacterial growth and survival. However, antibiotics are not mutations; instead, they are therapeutic agents used to combat bacterial infections.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. An infection that is difficult to treat:

This choice describes a challenging infection but does not specifically capture the concept of a superinfection. While superinfections can indeed be difficult to treat, they are defined more specifically as secondary infections that occur due to disruption of the normal microbial flora during the treatment of an initial infection.

B. An infection caused by a weakened immune system:

This choice describes an infection that occurs due to a compromised or weakened immune system, which can indeed increase the risk of developing infections, including superinfections. However, it does not fully encompass the definition of a superinfection, which specifically involves the overgrowth of opportunistic pathogens after the disruption of normal microbial flora by antimicrobial treatment.

C. A secondary infection that occurs when microorganisms normally present in the body are killed by the drug:

This choice accurately describes what a superinfection is. It highlights the key concept that a superinfection is a secondary infection that arises when antimicrobial treatment disrupts or kills the normal microbial flora of the body, allowing opportunistic pathogens to overgrow and cause infection.

D. A drug-resistant infection:

This choice describes an infection caused by microorganisms that are resistant to the effects of antimicrobial drugs. While drug resistance is a significant concern in healthcare, it does not specifically define a superinfection. Superinfections can involve drug-resistant microorganisms, but they are not solely characterized by drug resistance; rather, they are secondary infections resulting from the disruption of normal microbial flora during antimicrobial treatment.

A. refers to an infection that is resistant to conventional antibiotics B. superinfection that has significant antifungal resistance C. refers to a term used for antibiotic coverage D. There is no such phenomenon of acquired resistance

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Refers to an infection that is resistant to conventional antibiotics:

This statement is partially correct. Acquired resistance does indeed refer to bacteria becoming resistant to antibiotics, but it is not specific to conventional antibiotics. Bacteria can develop resistance to various types of antibiotics, including conventional antibiotics and newer antimicrobial agents.

B. Superinfection that has significant antifungal resistance:

This statement is incorrect. Acquired resistance specifically pertains to bacteria and their ability to resist antibiotics. It does not involve antifungal resistance or superinfections.

C. Refers to a term used for antibiotic coverage:

This statement is incorrect. Acquired resistance is not a term used to describe antibiotic coverage. It describes the phenomenon of bacteria becoming resistant to antibiotics.

D. There is no such phenomenon of acquired resistance:

This statement is incorrect. Acquired resistance is a well-documented phenomenon in microbiology and is a significant challenge in the treatment of bacterial infections. Ignoring or denying the existence of acquired resistance would overlook a critical aspect of antibiotic stewardship and management of bacterial infections.

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The term "mutations" refers to:

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is discussing treatment for a superinfection with a client and family members. The family asks the nurse what a superinfection is. What is the best response by the nurse?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A client has been prescribed an antibiotic and overhears the prescriber talking about acquired resistance. The client asks the nurse what this means. What is the nurse's best statement regarding acquired resistance?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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The term "mutations" refers to:

When reviewing Ms. Robertson's culture and sensitivity test results, the nurse learns that the bacteria causing Ms. Robertson's infection are sensitive to penicillin. The nurse interprets this result to mean:

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