The use of a physical or chemical process to destroy vegetative pathogens on inanimate objects is called
sanitization.
degermation.
disinfection.
sterilization.
antisepsis.
The Correct Answer is C
A. sanitization: Sanitization refers to the process of reducing microbial populations on inanimate objects to levels considered safe by public health standards. It lowers the risk of infection but does not necessarily destroy all vegetative pathogens.
B. degermation: Degermation, also called degerming, is the mechanical removal of microbes from a surface, typically the skin, using friction and antiseptics. It reduces microbial load but does not fully destroy pathogens and is mainly used for living tissues.
C. disinfection: Disinfection is the use of physical (e.g., heat) or chemical agents to destroy vegetative pathogens on inanimate objects. It effectively eliminates most pathogenic microorganisms, though it may not destroy bacterial spores. Disinfection is commonly used for medical equipment, surfaces, and instruments that do not require sterilization.
D. sterilization: Sterilization is a process that destroys all forms of microbial life, including spores. It is more extreme than disinfection and is used for surgical instruments and other items that must be completely free of microorganisms.
E. antisepsis: Antisepsis refers to the application of chemical agents to living tissues to inhibit or destroy microorganisms. Unlike disinfection, antisepsis is safe for skin and mucous membranes but may not completely eliminate all pathogens.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
If a bacterial molecule uses SO₄²⁻ (sulfate) as its final electron acceptor, the process is anaerobic, not aerobic. Aerobic respiration specifically requires oxygen (O₂) as the terminal electron acceptor in the electron transport chain. In contrast, certain bacteria can perform anaerobic respiration, using alternative electron acceptors such as sulfate, nitrate, or carbon dioxide. In sulfate-reducing bacteria, sulfate is reduced to hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) during energy production, allowing ATP synthesis in the absence of oxygen. Therefore, using sulfate as the terminal electron acceptor defines an anaerobic metabolic pathway.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Pilus: During bacterial conjugation, a specialized structure called a sex pilus (or conjugation pilus) forms a direct connection between two bacterial cells. The donor cell transfers a copy of plasmid DNA or other genetic material through this pilus to the recipient cell, allowing for horizontal gene transfer and the spread of traits such as antibiotic resistance.
B. Capsule: The bacterial capsule is a polysaccharide layer that surrounds the cell wall and provides protection against phagocytosis and desiccation. It does not play a role in the transfer of DNA between bacterial cells, and therefore is not involved in conjugation.
C. Flagellum: The flagellum is a whip-like appendage that enables bacterial motility. While important for movement and chemotaxis, it is not used for DNA transfer during conjugation. DNA exchange occurs specifically through the pilus, not through flagella.
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