An Upper Respiratory Specimen Contains Many Indigenous Organisms Which May

question 24

Multiple Choice

An upper respiratory specimen contains many indigenous organisms which may be time consuming, cost prohibitive, and insurmountable. What should the microbiologist do?

• A) Work quickly with commercially available kits to identify all organisms present in a sputum specimen for the best quality patient care available.
• B) Work up only the gram-negative rods present in the culture.
• C) Differentiate the potential pathogens from the "usual" inhabitants of the upper respiratory tract and direct the diagnostic workup only to potential pathogens.
• D) Be able to ascertain whether the results generated by a commercial or automated system correlate with the suspected organism.

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Definitions:

Peptic Ulcers

Open sores that develop on the inner lining of the stomach, upper small intestine, or esophagus, often resulting from infection or the prolonged use of anti-inflammatory drugs.

Diarrhea

A condition characterized by the frequent passage of loose or watery stools.

Amino Acids

Organic compounds that combine to form proteins, serving as the building blocks of life and playing many critical roles in body functions.

Fatty Acids

Long hydrocarbon chains that are components of fats and oils, playing crucial roles in energy storage, cell structure, and signaling.