NCLEX : Identifying Bacteria

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for NCLEX

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Example Questions

Example Question #11 : Microbiology

Proteus mirabilis is classified as which of the following?

Possible Answers:

Gram-positive, anaerobic, rod-shaped

Gram-negative, anaerobic, rod-shaped

Gram-negative, anaerobic, coccus

Gram-positive, aerobic, coccus

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 #12 : Microbiology

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

Possible Answers:

E. Coli

Pseudomonas

Streptococcyous pyogenes

Staphlococcyous aureus

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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