The term "mutations" refers to:
permanent, inheritable changes to DNA
an organism that is capable of causing disease
the severity of a disease that an organism is able to cause
a substance that can inhibit the growth of bacteria
The Correct Answer is A
A. Permanent, inheritable changes to DNA:
Mutations are alterations or changes in the DNA sequence of an organism's genome. These changes can be permanent and heritable, meaning they are passed on to offspring during reproduction. Mutations can occur spontaneously or be induced by various factors such as environmental agents, radiation, or errors in DNA replication or repair mechanisms. These changes can lead to variations in traits among individuals within a population and are essential for the process of evolution.
B. An organism that is capable of causing disease:
This definition refers to the term "pathogen." Pathogens are organisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, that are capable of causing disease in their hosts. Pathogens can infect humans, animals, plants, or other organisms and can lead to a wide range of diseases, from mild infections to life-threatening illnesses.
C. The severity of a disease that an organism is able to cause:
This definition refers to the term "virulence." Virulence is a measure of the severity or harmfulness of a pathogen, indicating its ability to cause disease in a host organism. Highly virulent pathogens are more likely to cause severe illness or death, while less virulent pathogens may cause milder symptoms or asymptomatic infections. Virulence factors, such as toxins, adhesion molecules, or evasion mechanisms, contribute to the pathogen's ability to cause disease.
D. A substance that can inhibit the growth of bacteria:
This definition refers to the term "antibiotic." Antibiotics are chemical substances produced by microorganisms, fungi, or synthesized in the laboratory that can inhibit the growth of or kill bacteria. Antibiotics are commonly used to treat bacterial infections and work by targeting specific bacterial structures or metabolic processes, thereby disrupting bacterial growth and survival. However, antibiotics are not mutations; instead, they are therapeutic agents used to combat bacterial infections.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Discoloration of body fluids:
Vancomycin can cause discoloration of body fluids, particularly urine, resulting in a brownish discoloration. However, this is not caused by histamine release.
B. Ototoxicity:
Ototoxicity refers to damage to the inner ear structures leading to hearing loss or balance problems. While vancomycin can cause ototoxicity, it is not specifically associated with histamine release.
C. Red-man syndrome
Red-man syndrome, also known as red-neck syndrome or red-person syndrome, is a hypersensitivity reaction characterized by flushing of the skin, particularly the upper body and face, resembling a "red man." This reaction is typically associated with the rapid infusion of vancomycin and is caused by the release of histamine from mast cells and basophils. It is not an allergic reaction but rather a non-immunologic response to vancomycin.
D. Nephrotoxicity:
Nephrotoxicity refers to kidney damage caused by certain medications or toxins. While vancomycin can cause nephrotoxicity, it is not specifically associated with histamine release.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. The patient stops taking the drug when he or she begins to feel better:
This choice refers to the common habit where patients discontinue their prescribed medication once they start to feel improvement in their symptoms, even if they haven't completed the full course of treatment. This premature cessation of medication can leave some microbes alive and potentially resistant to the antibiotic, allowing them to regrow and cause a recurrence of the infection.
B. The patient switches to multiple drug therapy from single drug therapy:
This choice describes a scenario where a patient switches from a single drug therapy to multiple drug therapy. While this may be a valid treatment approach in some cases, it is not directly related to the re-population and re-establishment of microbes causing an infection.
C. The patient uses OTC drugs prophylactically:
This choice involves patients using over-the-counter (OTC) drugs preventively without consulting a healthcare professional. While OTC drugs may have their own set of issues, such as contributing to antibiotic resistance, this behavior isn't specifically linked to the re-population and re-establishment of microbes causing an infection.
D. The patient increases the drug dosage when he or she perceives that the therapeutic effect of the drug is slowing down:
This choice describes a scenario where a patient independently increases the dosage of their medication without consulting a healthcare provider. While inappropriate dosage adjustments can lead to adverse effects, it doesn't directly address the re-population and re-establishment of microbes causing an infection.
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