Q&A | USU
1. Which of the following is the most common cause of atypical pneumonia in adults?
A) Streptococcus pneumoniae
B) Mycoplasma pneumoniae
C) Haemophilus influenzae
D) Legionella pneumophila
Correct Answer: B) Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Rationale: Mycoplasma pneumoniae is the most common cause of atypical pneumonia in
adults. It typically presents with a gradual onset of symptoms, including a dry cough,
headache, and low-grade fever. Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common cause of
typical lobar pneumonia.
2. A patient presents with a rash that is maculopapular, blanches easily, and is accompanied
by joint aches. Which viral exanthem is most likely?
A) Rubella
B) Rubeola
C) Fifth disease
D) Varicella
Correct Answer: C) Fifth disease
Rationale: Fifth disease (erythema infectiosum), caused by parvovirus B19, presents with a
characteristic "slapped cheek" rash that is maculopapular and blanches easily. Joint aches are
a common accompanying symptom, especially in adults.
3. What is the treatment of choice for community-acquired, uncomplicated pneumonia in a
healthy adult?
,A) Amoxicillin
B) Azithromycin
C) Levofloxacin
D) Doxycycline
Correct Answer: A) Amoxicillin
Rationale: Amoxicillin is the first-line treatment for uncomplicated community-acquired
pneumonia in healthy adults without comorbidities. Macrolides or doxycycline are
alternatives for patients with penicillin allergy.
4. A 50-year-old male presents with a lump in his breast. How should the nurse practitioner
work this up?
A) Clinical breast exam only
B) Mammogram only
C) Clinical breast exam, mammogram, and ultrasound
D) Observation and re-evaluation in 6 months
Correct Answer: C) Clinical breast exam, mammogram, and ultrasound
Rationale: A male breast lump requires a thorough workup including clinical breast exam,
mammogram, and ultrasound to evaluate for malignancy. Male breast cancer, while rare, has
a higher mortality rate due to delayed diagnosis.
5. How long must a tick be attached to the skin for Lyme disease to be transferred?
A) 12 hours
B) 24 hours
C) 48 hours
D) 72 hours
Correct Answer: C) 48 hours
, Rationale: The tick must typically be attached for at least 48 hours for Borrelia burgdorferi
to be transmitted. Prompt removal of ticks within this window significantly reduces the risk
of Lyme disease.
6. Which of the following is the most common cause of pernicious anemia?
A) Iron deficiency
B) Folate deficiency
C) Vitamin B12 deficiency
D) Erythropoietin deficiency
Correct Answer: C) Vitamin B12 deficiency
Rationale: Pernicious anemia is caused by vitamin B12 deficiency, often due to a lack of
intrinsic factor production by gastric parietal cells. It results in macrocytic anemia and
neurologic symptoms.
7. How should oral iron supplements be taken for optimal absorption?
A) With milk
B) On an empty stomach with orange juice
C) With a full meal
D) At bedtime with a calcium supplement
Correct Answer: B) On an empty stomach with orange juice
Rationale: Oral iron supplements are best absorbed on an empty stomach. Vitamin C (as in
orange juice) enhances absorption, while calcium (as in milk) inhibits it. Taking iron with
food reduces absorption by approximately 50%.
8. Group A streptococcal pharyngitis can be accompanied by which symptoms in addition to
the classic Centor criteria?