NCLEX : Identifying Bacteria

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for NCLEX

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Example Questions

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Example Question #11 : Bacteria

Proteus mirabilis is classified as which of the following?

Possible Answers:

Gram-positive, anaerobic, rod-shaped

Gram-negative, anaerobic, coccus

Gram-positive, aerobic, coccus

Gram-negative, anaerobic, rod-shaped

Correct answer:

Gram-negative, anaerobic, rod-shaped

Explanation:

Proteus mirabilis is a Gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic, rod-shaped (bacillus) bacteria. It produces large amounts of the enzyme urease, which is able to hydrolyze urea to ammonia, causing the distinctively high pH seen in the urine of individuals with a P. mirabilis infection.  

Example Question #201 : Nclex

Which of the following bacteria is Gram positive cocci that is found in clusters?

Possible Answers:

Streptococcyous pyogenes

Staphlococcyous aureus

E. Coli

Pseudomonas

Correct answer:

Staphlococcyous aureus

Explanation:

Bacteria are classified as either Gram positive or Gram negative. Gram positive bacteria stain purple because of their thick peptidoglycan cell wall. Staph and Strep groups are both Gram positive. Bacteria can then be organized based on their shape. Cocci are circular while bacilli are rectangular in shape. Staph grows in clusters.

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