Chapter 13 – Preventing Infectious Diseases Multiple Choice 1. The general term for a disease-causing agent is A) virus. B) infection. C) pathogen. D) bacterium. Answer: Page: 2. The general term for the environment in which an infectious agent grows and thrives is its A) reservoir. B) incubator. C) natural state. D) dormant state. Answer: Page: 3. B 354 In the context of infectious diseases, what is a vector? A) the connection between any two links in the chain of infection B) a primitive one-celled organism that causes disease in humans C) a living organism that serves as a mode of transmission for a pathogen D) the substance released by an infectious agent that causes symptoms in humans Answer: Page: 5. A 353 Which of the following is NOT a form of direct transmission? A) kissing B) drinking from a friend’s water glass C) breathing in someone’s sneeze D) sexual intercourse Answer: Page: 4. C 352 C 354 Tuesday afternoon you began to feel sick. Wednesday you were sick in bed all day. Thursday you felt better. Your time in bed Wednesday probably marked the __________ stage of the infection. A) clinical B) recovery C) incubation D) prodromal Answer: Page: A 355 6. The stage of infection from the time a pathogen enters your body until symptoms appear is known as the _______________ stage. A) clinical B) recovery C) incubation D) prodromal Answer: Page: 7. An example of your body’s so-called first line of defense against infections would be A) T-cells. B) skin. C) antigens. D) antibodies. Answer: Page: 8. C 356 Natural immunity is acquired by A) receiving an immunization. B) preventing an infection from occurring. C) receiving antibodies from another host. D) experiencing and recovering from a disease. Answer: Page: 11. B 356 The immunity you get from a vaccination is acquired A) actively. B) passively. C) artificially. D) nonspecifically. Answer: Page: 10. B 355 Which of the following terms is applied to any foreign substance that stimulates a response from the immune system? A) toxin B) antigen C) microbe D) bacterium Answer: Page: 9. C 354 D 356 The role of antibodies is to A) produce helper T-cells. B) aid in the formation of killer T-cells. C) D) destroy antigens and their toxins. destroy suppressor T-cells. Answer: Page: 12. Macrophages are a form of A) stem cells. B) helper T-cells. C) antibodies. D) white blood cells. Answer: Pages: 13. D 358 Today, health professionals are attempting to raise the level of immunization to ______ percent of all children under the age of two. A) 40 B) 60 C) 80 D) 90 Answer: Page: 16. B 358 Which of the following BEST explains why stem cells are transplanted into people with damaged immune systems? A) The patients’ own stem cells are used up. B) They are the most potent type of immune cell. C) Stem cells are specialized for restoring immune functions. D) Stem cells are absent of specialization and can develop into new immune system cells. Answer: Page: 15. D 357-358 Which of the following has a responsibility to “turn off” the immune response? A) T-helper cells B) T-suppressor cells C) T-memory cells D) T-killer cells Answer: Page: 14. C 358 Which fetus? A) B) C) D) D 359 of the following, if contracted during pregnancy, can cause damage to the developing rubella whooping cough polio tetanus Answer: Page: 17. A potentially fatal illness that leads to the inflammation of the membranes that line the throat, swollen lymph nodes, and to heart and kidney failure is A) chicken pox. B) mumps. C) diphtheria. D) rubella. Answer: Page: 18. C 361 A type of infection spread in conjunction with the delivery of health care services is termed ______________________ infection. A) non-specific B) nosocomial C) non-institutional D) non-medical Answer: Page: 21. B 359 Another name for the common cold is A) influenza. B) pandemia. C) acute rhinitis. D) congestive bronchitis. Answer: Page: 20. C 359 Adults are particularly underprotected in regard to A) hepatitis and polio. B) tetanus and diphtheria. C) haemophilus influenzae type B. D) chicken pox and mumps. Answer: Page: 19. A 359 B 360 To avoid catching another cold, which of the following will be the most useful strategy? A) Wash your hands periodically when you are with groups of people. B) Take extra vitamin C and herbal supplements. C) Wear a mask when you go out in public. D) Exercise for thirty minutes daily. Answer: Pages: A 361, 362 22. The portal of entry for influenza is A) the respiratory system. B) the digestive tract. C) breaks in the skin. D) body fluids. Answer: Page: 23. The most common approach to treating influenza is to A) receive antiviral shots. B) treat the symptoms. C) take antibiotics. D) avoid infection. Answer: Page: 24. A 364 The mode of transmission for tuberculosis is A) direct transmission. B) vector-based transmission. C) droplet spread. D) fecal–oral transmission. Answer: Page: 27. D 381 Tuberculosis is a A) bacterial lung infection that creates a chronic cough and endangers health. B) viral lung infection marked by serious flares, when breathing is extremely difficult. C) rapid and dangerous atrophy of lung tissues that is caused by invasive microorganisms. D) general suppression of the immune system that results in frequent lung infections. Answer: Page: 26. B 363 Today, Suzanne began experiencing painful urination and the frequent, sudden need to urinate. She probably has A) syphilis. B) gonorrhea. C) a yeast infection. D) a urinary tract infection. Answer: Page: 25. A 363 C 364 Of the following, the greatest current threat from tuberculosis in the United States comes from A) virulent strains. B) poor treatments. C) secondary infections. D) drug-resistant strains. Answer: Page: 28. Who of the following, when exposed to tuberculosis, is NOT likely to infect others? A) an older adult B) someone infected with HIV C) a malnourished individual D) a healthy individual Answer: Page: 29. D 365 Which of the following is the MOST common form of pneumonia? A) bacterial B) viral C) fungal D) parasitic Answer: Page: 32. A 365 Fatigue that lasts for weeks and months in the absence of other symptoms is characteristic of A) pneumonia. B) tuberculosis. C) Lyme disease. D) mononucleosis. Answer: Page: 31. D 365 The standard treatment for mononucleosis is A) rest. B) antibiotics. C) physical therapy. D) corticosteroid drugs. Answer: Page: 30. D 364 A 365 Which of the following is FALSE regarding chronic fatigue syndrome? It is an illness A) that causes severe exhaustion and fatigue. B) most often seen in men in their thirties and forties. C) that causes confusion over its exact nature. D) that causes headaches and an inability to concentrate. Answer: Page: B 366 33. You have just taken your roommate to the hospital. She came down with what appeared to be flu two days ago, but you suspected meningitis when she complained of A) a severe headache and stiff neck. B) fatigue and lack of appetite. C) body aches and chills. D) nausea. Answer: Page: 34. The transmission of bacterial meningitis is NOT caused by A) sharing a beverage. B) close living quarters. C) kissing. D) unprotected sexual intercourse. Answer: Page: 35. D 368 Which phase of Lyme disease may produce disorders of the heart and nervous systems? A) acute phase B) lasting phase C) chronic phase D) recovery phase Answer: Page: 38. A 367 Which of the following is the BEST defense against Lyme disease? A) Wash hands thoroughly. B) Avoid sharing of eating utensils. C) Stay away from people who have the disease. D) Check yourself thoroughly for ticks after being outdoors. Answer: Page: 37. D 366 The mode of transmission for Lyme disease is A) vector-based. B) personal contact. C) airborne particles. D) exchange of body fluids. Answer: Page: 36. A 367 C 368 You went hiking in the morning and, in the evening, you find that a deer tick has attached itself to your ankle. You remove it. What should you do now? A) Seek antibiotic therapy at once. B) Send the tick to your doctor for laboratory analysis. C) Wash the bite and wait for the appearance of clinical symptoms. D) Get immunized for Lyme disease within the next three weeks. Answer: Page: 39. Which of the following is an acute infection of the lungs that progresses rapidly and often kills the victim? A) hepatitis B) Lyme disease C) toxic shock syndrome D) hantavirus pulmonary syndrome Answer: Page: 40. B 369 In the vagina, toxic shock syndrome occurs when A) bacteria that enter tampons during their manufacture penetrate the body’s defenses. B) certain staphylococcal bacteria invade the bloodstream through the vaginal wall. C) super absorbent tampons cause shock by absorbing blood too rapidly. D) sexually transmitted pathogens penetrate the vaginal wall. Answer: Page: 43. B 368 The West Nile virus is transmitted to humans via A) birds. B) mosquitoes. C) deer ticks. D) deer mice. Answer: Page: 42. D 368 You are cleaning your garage when you find a place where deer mice have nested. You are aware that they carry hantavirus, so your best option is to A) leave the nest undisturbed. B) soak the nest with disinfectant or bleach before removing and destroying it. C) first probe to see if the mice are gone, then immediately throw the nest away. D) carefully salvage as much of the nest as you can and send it to a state lab for analysis. Answer: Page: 41. C 368 B 369 Toxic shock syndrome is most strongly linked to the use of A) super absorbent tampons. B) light duty tampons. C) sanitary napkins. D) all tampons. Answer: Page: A 369 44. Hepatitis is a viral inflammation of the A) pancreas. B) intestines. C) kidneys. D) liver. Answer: Page: 45. Hepatitis B and C are spread when the virus is introduced directly into A) the ear. B) body fluids. C) the digestive tract. D) the respiratory system. Answer: Pages: 46. D 372 Many people are concerned that there is a relationship between the development of autism and which childhood immunization? A) DTaP B) Varicella C) MMRP D) HepA Answer: Page: 49. D 372 The average incubation period for HIV infections (the time between infection and the appearance of symptoms) is about A) six to twelve months. B) two to six years. C) six to eight years. D) ten to twelve years. Answer: Page: 48. B 370 Most HIV infections occur through the exchange of blood, semen, or A) tears. B) saliva. C) sweat. D) vaginal secretions. Answer: Page: 47. D 369 C 359 Which of the following BEST summarizes the current state of HIV/AIDS treatment? A) It can be slowed, but not cured. B) There are no effective treatments for HIV/AIDS. C) D) It can be cured if caught before full-blown AIDS develops. Experimental cures have been achieved, but they need to be approved by the FDA. Answer: Page: 50. Which of the following is the most effective way to avoid HIV infection? A) Practice safer sex. B) Avoid sexual activity. C) Always use condoms for sex. D) Learn the sexual history of prospective sexual partners. Answer: Page: 51. C 376, 378 The major risk of untreated chlamydia infections is A) painful urination. B) susceptibility to other STDs. C) possible reinfection or a “ping-pong” effect. D) damage to the reproductive organs and surrounding structures. Answer: Pages: 54. C 376 Your sexually active friend Ward has begun to experience painful urination and a white discharge from his penis. His symptoms are consistent with an infection by A) herpes. B) syphilis. C) gonorrhea or chlamydia. D) the human papillomavirus. Answer: Pages: 53. B 375 Chlamydia is a A) rare infection of the reproductive system transmitted by indirect means. B) pelvic inflammation that usually occurs because of poor hygiene. C) sexually transmitted disease of bacterial origin. D) side effect of a gonorrhea infection. Answer: Page: 52. A 373 D 376-377 Human papillomavirus is responsible for A) genital warts. B) chlamydia. C) gonorrhea. D) syphilis. Answer: Page: A 377 55. Human papillomavirus infection leads to an increased risk of A) gonorrhea. B) chlamydia. C) HIV/AIDS. D) cervical cancers. Answer: Page: 56. Gonorrhea is treated with A) antibiotics. B) protease inhibitors. C) pain relievers and rest. D) acyclovir or similar suppressive drug. Answer: Page: 57. A 363 The major symptom of a pubic louse infestation is A) any of several bacterial infections of the bloodstream. B) the destruction of nerve tissues in the genital area. C) intense itching in the affected area. D) severe abdominal pain. Answer: Page: 60. A 379 Of the following, which is not a prescription medication used to treat the symptoms of the flu? A) Levodopa B) Relenza C) Symmetrel D) Tamiflu Answer: Page: 59. A 378 The most characteristic symptom of a herpes simplex infection is A) a sore or cluster of sores in the genital region. B) swollen lymph glands. C) a whole-body itch. D) a high fever. Answer: Page: 58. D 378 C 380 The most serious risk of a syphilis infection is A) sterility. B) the chronic destruction of connective tissues. C) secondary infections of gonorrhea or chlamydia. D) life-threatening damage to the cardiovascular and nervous systems. Answer: Page: 61. D 380 A yeast infection is A) a fungal infection of the vagina. B) an acute viral infection of the bladder. C) an allergic reaction of vaginal tissues. D) an infection that results from a sexually transmitted bacterium. Answer: Page: A 381 True/False 62. Viruses, prions, and bacteria are examples of pathogens. Answer: Pages: 63. A reservoir for infectious disease always shows symptoms of the disease. Answer: Pages: 64. True 354 With most pathogens, people are not infectious during the incubation stage. Answer: Page: 68. True 354 The respiratory system can function as both a portal of entry and a portal of exit for disease transmission. Answer: Page: 67. False 354 An example of a vector is the deer tick that transmits Lyme disease. Answer: Page: 66. False 353-354 A respiratory infection is a result of indirect transmission. Answer: Page: 65. True 352-353 False 354 The clinical stage of infection is also called the acute stage. Answer: Page: True 355 69. A vaccination is an example of naturally acquired immunity. Answer: Page: 70. Passively acquired immunity results when antibodies are introduced into the body. Answer: Page: 71. False 365 Mononucleosis is a viral infection in which the body produces an excess amount of white blood cells. Answer: Page: 78. True 364 Pneumonia will not develop if other infections are already present in the body. Answer: Page: 77. True 363 Tuberculosis thrives in crowded places where infected people are in close proximity. Answer: Page: 76. True 362 Generally, you have flu and not a cold if you have a headache and high fever. Answer: Page: 75. False 361 The best way to prevent transmission of colds is to wash your hands. Answer: Page: 74. False 359 Colds are caused by any of five known rhinoviruses. Answer: Page: 73. True 356 About 90 percent of American children are vaccinated against the major childhood illnesses by the time they reach school age. Answer: Page: 72. False 356 True 365 A vaccine for mononucleosis is needed to prevent a repeat infection. Answer: False Page: 79. The precise nature of chronic fatigue syndrome is unknown. Answer: Page: 80. True 371 It is relatively easy to become infected with HIV. Answer: Page: 87. True 369 An HIV-infected person is considered to have AIDS when the T-helper cell count drops below a certain point. Answer: Page: 86. True 369 Hepatitis is a viral infection of the liver. Answer: Page: 85. True 368 West Nile virus infection involves flu-like symptoms including fever and fatigue. Answer: Page: 84. False 367-368 Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is a viral infection that spreads when humans inhale dust contaminated with dried virus-rich rodent urine- or saliva-contaminated materials, such as from nests. Answer: Page: 83. True 366 The characteristic rash associated with Lyme disease is always present with other symptoms. Answer: Pages: 82. True 366 There is a vaccine now available for meningitis. Answer: Page: 81. 366 False 372 Women are at a much greater risk than men of contracting HIV through heterosexual contact. Answer: Page: True 372 88. Although there is currently no cure for AIDS, researchers have slowed the progress of the disease in many people. Answer: Pages: 89. In the United States, the incidence of chlamydia is second only to that of gonorrhea. Answer: Page: 90. False 379 Despite the popularity of over-the-counter remedies, vaginal yeast infections only respond to powerful prescription drugs. Answer: Page: 94. False 378-379 Several ointments are now available that can clear up herpes infections. Answer: Page: 93. True 377 If left untreated, genital herpes can spread throughout the urinary tract and cause kidney damage. Answer: Pages: 92. False 376 Like many sexually transmitted diseases, genital warts are a greater risk for those who have multiple sexual partners. Answer: Page: 91. True 373 False 381 Nosocomial infections are spread exclusively through sexual contact. Answer: Page: False 360 Essay 95. Describe the major links in the chain of infection, and explain the role of each. Answer: The agent, or pathogen, is the first link in the chain. The next is the reservoir, where the pathogen resides. This can be in the body of an infected person or animal, in a carrier, or elsewhere in the environment. The portal of exit is the means by which the pathogen leaves the reservoir. The mode of transmission is the means by which the pathogen is spread directly or indirectly to a new host by means of a portal of entry into that host. In people, this is often the respiratory or digestive system. The portal of entry is the fifth link and refers to the means in which a pathogenic agent enters and uninfected person. In the sixth link of this chain, the virus enters a new host. Pages: 96. 352-354 Describe the five stages of infection. Answer: 1) The incubation stage lasts from the time a pathogen enters the body until it multiplies enough to produce symptoms. The duration can last from a few hours to many months, depending on a number of variables. The pathogen can be transmitted, but it is not likely, with the exception of HIV infection. 2) The prodromal stage occurs when the host begins to experience symptoms. The pathogen continues to multiply and is capable of being transmitted to a new host. 3) The clinical stage is the most unpleasant stage for the host. At this time, the disease reaches its highest point of development and can be identified through laboratory testing. The likelihood of transmission of the disease is highest during this stage. 4) The decline stage occurs when the first signs of recovery appear as the infection is ending. Individuals may suffer a relapse if they overextend themselves. 5) The recovery stage is characterized by an apparent recovery from the invading agent. The body has built up immunity, so further susceptibility to the pathogen is typically low. Pages: 97. 354-355 Describe how the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is spread. Answer: HIV is only spread through methods that get it into the bloodstream of the victim, such as blood transfusions, the sharing of hypodermic needles, and oral, anal, or genital sexual contact. When the virus is transmitted sexually, it enters the bloodstream through tears in body tissues. HIV typically cannot be spread by contact with the sweat, tears, or saliva of an infected person. Page: 98. 372 Explain the relationship and the distinction between HIV infection and AIDS. Answer: HIV infection leads to AIDS, but AIDS does not occur immediately. After infection by HIV occurs, there is a lengthy incubation period that typically lasts for years, during which the person has no symptoms. Eventually in most infected people, HIV begins to weaken the immune system and symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and diarrhea appear. Still there may be no diagnosis of AIDS. These problems progress to more life-threatening conditions, some of which are considered indicators of an active case of AIDS. At present, AIDS is diagnosed when the helper T-cell count falls below 200 per cubic millimeter of blood. Pages: 99. 370-372 Describe how you can reduce your risk of contracting HIV and sexually transmitted infections. Answer: You can reduce your risk by practicing sexual abstinence, not having multiple partners, or by maintaining long-term monogamous relationships. If you engage in sexual activity, you can reduce your risk by learning the sexual history and any health conditions that your partner has, using condoms and spermicides correctly, and avoiding all contact with bodily fluids. Refrain from having sex with known injectable drug users or those infected with an STI, and do not engage in unprotected anal intercourse. Lastly, curtail the use of drugs that will impair good judgment. Pages: 374-375