Margaret Rodriguez
, 2025 TEST BANK for Microbiology for Surgical Technologists 3rd Edition by
Margaret Rodriguez
CHAPTER 1: Introduction to Microbiology
Overview of microbiology as a discipline, its history, and why it’s crucial in
surgical practice. Introduces the concept of microorganisms and their impact
on health.
1. Which historical event most directly accelerated the need for aseptic
surgical techniques due to increased awareness of infection
transmission?
a. The development of the compound microscope by Zacharias
Janssen
b. The discovery of penicillin by Alexander Fleming
c. The Crimean War nursing reforms by Florence Nightingale
d. The post–Civil War work of Joseph Lister
ANSWER: D
FEEDBACK: Joseph Lister’s post–Civil War promotion of antiseptic
surgery revolutionized operating room practices by introducing
carbolic acid for sterilizing instruments and cleaning wounds. His
work built upon germ theory, emphasizing prevention of infection
during surgical procedures.
DIFFICULTY: High
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1.4 – Relate notable microbiology
milestones to changes in surgical practice.
KEYWORDS: Apply
2. Which early scientist’s experiments disproved spontaneous
generation using swan-neck flasks?
a. Robert Koch
b. Louis Pasteur
c. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek
d. Ignaz Semmelweis
ANSWER: B
, 2025 TEST BANK for Microbiology for Surgical Technologists 3rd Edition by
Margaret Rodriguez
FEEDBACK: Louis Pasteur’s swan-neck flask experiment allowed air
to enter but prevented microbial contamination, showing that
microorganisms come from other microorganisms, not spontaneous
generation. This principle is foundational to modern microbiology
and surgical asepsis.
DIFFICULTY: Medium
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1.5 – Explain the disproof of abiogenesis
and its surgical relevance.
KEYWORDS: Remember
3. In surgical microbiology, the “chain of infection” begins with:
a. A susceptible host
b. A portal of entry
c. An infectious agent
d. A mode of transmission
ANSWER: C
FEEDBACK: The chain starts with the infectious agent, which could
be bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. Surgical technologists must
identify and control the source to prevent perioperative infections.
DIFFICULTY: Medium
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1.3 – Describe the role of microorganisms
in infection.
KEYWORDS: Understand
4. Ignaz Semmelweis is best known for introducing which hospital
practice?
a. Handwashing before patient contact
b. Steam sterilization of instruments
c. Wearing surgical gloves
d. Use of antibiotics in surgery
ANSWER: A
, 2025 TEST BANK for Microbiology for Surgical Technologists 3rd Edition by
Margaret Rodriguez
FEEDBACK: Semmelweis dramatically reduced puerperal fever by
enforcing handwashing in chlorinated lime before attending
deliveries, setting a precedent for perioperative hygiene.
DIFFICULTY: Low
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1.4 – Connect historical infection control
measures to current surgical standards.
KEYWORDS: Remember
5. In the context of surgical site infection (SSI) prevention, which
microorganism type is most commonly associated with endogenous
contamination?
a. Gram-negative rods
b. Resident skin flora
c. Spore-forming bacteria
d. Enveloped viruses
ANSWER: B
FEEDBACK: Resident skin flora, such as Staphylococcus epidermidis,
can enter surgical wounds during incision, making preoperative skin
prep essential.
DIFFICULTY: Medium
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1.3 – Relate microorganism sources to SSI
prevention.
KEYWORDS: Apply
6. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek is credited with which key
microbiological contribution?
a. First bacterial culture method
b. Discovery of viruses
c. Development of a simple microscope to view “animalcules”
d. Formulation of the germ theory of disease
ANSWER: C