NCLEX : Microbiology

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for NCLEX

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Identifying Viruses

Zika virus is primarily transmitted via what route?

Possible Answers:

Tick bite

Oral-fecal

Respiratory droplets

Mosquito bite

Correct answer:

Mosquito bite

Explanation:

Zika virus is primarily transmitted via mosquito bite. However, it can also be transmitted by sexual contact and it can cross the placenta, allowing an infected mother to pass the virus to an unborn child. 

Example Question #4 : Viruses And Other Microorganisms

High fever, cough, runny nose, maculopapular rash, and Koplik's spots are seen in which of the following viral infections?

Possible Answers:

Epstein-Barr

Scarlet fever

Mumps

Measles

Correct answer:

Measles

Explanation:

Koplik's spots are oral lesions seen early-on in infection with the measles virus. These spots are only present in a minority of cases, though. Other common symptoms of measles include high fever (often over 104 degrees fahrenheit), cough, runny nose, and a maculopapular rash which begins at the hair line and spreads down to the trunk and extremities. 

The most noticeable symptom in mumps infection is enlargement of the parotid glands, while Epstein Barr infection can result in fatigue, lymphadenopathy, and hepatosplenomegaly. Scarlet fever is not a viral infection, but rather is caused by the bacteria streptococcus pyogenes.

Example Question #2 : Identifying Viruses

How is the measles virus primarily spread?

Possible Answers:

Fecal-oral

Contaminated blood

Insect vectors

Respiratory droplets

Correct answer:

Respiratory droplets

Explanation:

The measles virus is one of the most highly contagious of all childhood exanthems. It is spread primarily by respiratory droplets, or by touching a surface that has been in contact with an infected individual's saliva or mucus. It is not spread in feces, nor is it blood or vector borne. 

Example Question #1 : Identifying Viruses

Which of the following is an infection of the finger, toe, or nail cuticle with the herpes simplex virus?

Possible Answers:

Herpangina

Infectious paronychia

Herpetic paronychia

Herpetic whitlow

Correct answer:

Herpetic whitlow

Explanation:

An infection of the finger, toe, or cuticle with the herpes simplex virus is known as a herpetic whitlow. This infection causes painful swelling and erythema at the site of contact and is often caused by the finger coming into contact with a cold sore (oral herpes simplex lesion). It is more common in individuals who are frequently in contact with oral mucosa, such as dentists and dental hygienist, nurses, and in individuals who bite their nails or suck their fingers or thumb.

Example Question #1 : Viruses And Other Microorganisms

Which of the following is the most common cause of infectious neonatal hearing loss?

Possible Answers:

Cytomegalovirus

Epstein Barr virus

Measles

Chlamydia

Correct answer:

Cytomegalovirus

Explanation:

The most common cause of infectious hearing loss in neonates is cytomegalovirus (CMV), also known as human herpes virus 5. While this disease rarely causes symptoms in adults, it can cause significant harm to a fetus. One of the primary fetal consequences of CMV infection in pregnancy is hearing loss. Other issues can include vision loss, developmental delays, and seizures. 

All of the other infections listed can have significant impacts on the health of a fetus or neonate, including pre-term birth, spontaneous abortion, and vision loss, though none are currently associated with risk of hearing loss.

Example Question #41 : Microbiology

A father brings in his seven year old son for "bumps" all over his arms and trunk. On examination, the nurse sees 20-30 small (1-5mm), flesh-colored, dome shaped papules. They are pearly and several have dimpled centers. They are not itchy, crusting, or painful. These lesions are most likely which of the following:

Possible Answers:

Chicken pox

Molluscum contagiosum

Common warts

Herpes simplex

Correct answer:

Molluscum contagiosum

Explanation:

The lesions described are most likely molluscum contagiosum, caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus. Molluscum contagiosum generally present as 1-5mm papules that are flesh-colored and dome shaped. The dimpled center may or may not be visible on papules, though this is considered pathognomonic for the virus. Common warts may present with a similar appearance, but will not generally present in such high numbers and don't have a dimpled appearance. Chicken pox lesions will generally be red and weeping or crusting, and herpes simplex lesions are not commonly seen outside of the oral mucosa, genital area, or fingers.

Example Question #42 : Microbiology

Which of the following viruses is the most common cause of febrile seizures?

Possible Answers:

Human herpes virus 6 (HHV-6)

Measles virus

Epstein Barr virus

Parvovirus B-19

Correct answer:

Human herpes virus 6 (HHV-6)

Explanation:

The majority of febrile seizures are caused by viral infections, with the most common virus involved being human herpes virus 6, or HHV-6. 

Example Question #234 : Nclex

What is the incubation period for infectious mononucleosis?

Possible Answers:

30-50 days

14-28 days

2-3 days

7-14 days

Correct answer:

30-50 days

Explanation:

Infectious mononucleosis, a condition caused by Epstein Barr virus, has a very long incubation period: onset of the disease is typically 30-50 days after the time of initial infection.

Example Question #232 : Nclex

Bell's palsy is associated with the reactivation of which of the following viral infections?

Possible Answers:

Cytomegalovirus

Varicella zoster

Rotavirus

Herpes simplex 1

Correct answer:

Herpes simplex 1

Explanation:

Bell's palsy is associated with reactivation of herpes simplex 1, a human herpes virus that can exist in latent form in the dorsal root ganglia of nerves in the head and neck. Reactivation of the virus causes the temporary unilateral facial paralysis associated with Bell's palsy. 

Example Question #241 : Nclex

What is the mortality rate for children infected with measles?

Possible Answers:

1 in 10,000

1 in 50

1 in 2,000

1 in 500

1 in 20

Correct answer:

1 in 500

Explanation:

Measles, while generally only a moderately severe disease, is fatal in one out of every 500 children who contract the virus.

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