The term "virulence" refers to:
substance that can inhibit the growth of bacteria
permanent, inheritable changes to DNA
when a microbe is no longer affected by a drug following treatment with anti-infectives
the severity of disease that an organism is able to cause
The Correct Answer is D
A. Substance that can inhibit the growth of bacteria:
This definition is incorrect. The term "virulence" does not refer to a substance that inhibits bacterial growth. Instead, it pertains to the ability of a microorganism to cause disease.
B. Permanent, inheritable changes to DNA:
This definition is incorrect. Permanent, inheritable changes to DNA are typically referred to as mutations. While mutations can impact the characteristics of microorganisms, the term "virulence" specifically relates to disease-causing ability rather than genetic changes.
C. When a microbe is no longer affected by a drug following treatment with anti-infectives:
This definition is incorrect. The phenomenon described here is known as drug resistance or antimicrobial resistance. It refers to the ability of microorganisms to survive and multiply in the presence of antimicrobial agents, rendering the drugs ineffective.
D. The severity of disease that an organism is able to cause:
This definition is correct. Virulence refers to the degree or severity of disease that an organism, such as a bacterium or virus, is capable of causing. Microorganisms with high virulence can cause severe illness or death in infected hosts, while those with low virulence may cause milder symptoms or no symptoms at all.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A.Goldenseal:
Goldenseal is a plant commonly used in herbal medicine, but it is not a drug that specifically inhibits bacterial beta-lactamase. While goldenseal may have antimicrobial properties, it is not typically used as a beta-lactamase inhibitor in the treatment of bacterial infections.
B. Ceftriaxone (Rocephin):
Ceftriaxone is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic. While it is an effective antibiotic for treating a wide range of bacterial infections, it does not have beta-lactamase inhibitor properties. Instead, ceftriaxone is susceptible to degradation by beta-lactamase enzymes produced by certain bacteria.
C. Penicillin:
Penicillin is one of the earliest discovered and most widely used beta-lactam antibiotics. However, many bacteria have developed resistance to penicillin by producing beta-lactamase enzymes. Penicillin itself does not inhibit beta-lactamase; instead, it is often combined with beta-lactamase inhibitors to enhance its effectiveness against beta-lactamase-producing bacteria.
D. Zosyn (piperacillin/tazobactam):
Zosyn is a combination antibiotic containing piperacillin, a broad-spectrum penicillin antibiotic, and tazobactam, a beta-lactamase inhibitor. Tazobactam inhibits the action of beta-lactamase enzymes produced by bacteria, allowing piperacillin to exert its antibacterial effects without being degraded by beta-lactamase. Therefore, Zosyn is the correct answer as it contains a drug that inhibits bacterial beta-lactamase.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Ototoxicity:
Ototoxicity refers to damage to the auditory and vestibular nerves, leading to hearing loss and balance disturbances. Gentamicin, being an aminoglycoside antibiotic, is known for its potential to cause ototoxicity. Signs and symptoms of ototoxicity include changes in hearing, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and imbalance. Ototoxicity is irreversible and can occur suddenly or gradually during gentamicin therapy. Therefore, any signs or symptoms of ototoxicity should be reported immediately to the physician for further evaluation and management.
B. Nausea:
Nausea is a common gastrointestinal side effect associated with gentamicin therapy. While it can be bothersome to the patient, nausea alone is not typically considered a severe adverse effect that requires immediate reporting to the physician. However, if nausea is severe or persistent and leads to dehydration or electrolyte imbalances, it should be addressed promptly.
C. Constipation:
Constipation is another potential gastrointestinal side effect of gentamicin therapy. Like nausea, constipation alone is not typically considered a severe adverse effect that requires immediate reporting to the physician. However, if constipation is severe or persistent and leads to discomfort or bowel obstruction, it should be addressed promptly.
D. Increased urinary output:
Increased urinary output may indicate improved renal function, which can be a desired effect during gentamicin therapy. Gentamicin is primarily excreted by the kidneys, and increased urinary output may help in the elimination of the drug from the body. Therefore, increased urinary output alone is not typically considered an adverse effect that requires immediate reporting to the physician. However, if there are signs of dehydration or electrolyte imbalances associated with increased urinary output, they should be addressed promptly.
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