BI 234 CARDIOVASCULAR/LYMPHATIC/NERVOUS DISEASES
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WITH COMPLETE VERIFIED
SOLUTIONS
sepsis
serious illness where pathogenic bacteria multiply in blood, affects all parts of the body,
very difficult to predict/diagnose/treat, bacteria (90%) or fungi (10%), can be nosocomial
(UTIs, abscesses, lungs - pneumonia, unknown), high risk for immunocompromised and
very young (<1) or elderly, rapid diagnosis and treatment are critical (antimicrobials and
blood pressure stabilization)
signs of sepsis
fever/chills, patient appears very ill, tachypnea (rapid shallow breathing --> respiratory
acidosis), tachycardia (high heart rate, decrease in BP), elevated leukocyte count,
possible confusion and rash
septic shock
complication of sepsis in which excessive inflammation causes the blood pressure to
drop dangerously low, one or more organs can fail, mortality up to 40% even with ICU
treatment, successful outcomes dependent on rapid identification and antibiotic
treatment. Cause = rapid inflammatory response due to detection of LPS, lipotechoic
acids, other microbial products
bacterial endocarditis (acute)
, inflammation of lining and valves of the heart. colonization of endocardium results in
bacteria + fibrin vegetations, protecting microbes from immunity. rapid onset,
Staphylococcus aureus is most dangerous, but can also be caused by strep. IV drug
use most common mode of entry, may also be introduced through trauma/surgery. fatal
within days if not treated. treatment = constant high dose of antibiotics in the
bloodstream, possible surgical debridement of valves/valve replacement
bacterial endocarditis (subacute)
inflammation of lining and valves of the heart. colonization of endocardium results in
bacteria + fibrin vegetations, protecting microbes from immunity. usually caused by less
virulent resident oral cavity microbiota (Streptococcus mutant, S. oralis). Introduced to
blood stream by dental procedures or vigorous home dental care, primarily affects those
with history of valvular disease. Treatment same as acute, but better prognosis. dental
patients with valvular pathology history often given prophylactic antibiotics before
procedures
anthrax
caused by Bacillus anthracis. category A bioweapon. forms endospores, facultative
anaerobe. usually infects grazing animals, can also infect humans. 3 forms =
respiratory, cutaneous, gastrointestinal. all can lead to bacteremia and sepsis
gas gangrene
caused by Clostridium perfringens (g+, obligate anaerobe, endospore forming bacillus).
fastest known doubling time, also causes food poisoning. gangrene = necrotic
putrefaction of soft tissue, GAS gangrene is a specific disease. distinct sign = crepitance
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WITH COMPLETE VERIFIED
SOLUTIONS
sepsis
serious illness where pathogenic bacteria multiply in blood, affects all parts of the body,
very difficult to predict/diagnose/treat, bacteria (90%) or fungi (10%), can be nosocomial
(UTIs, abscesses, lungs - pneumonia, unknown), high risk for immunocompromised and
very young (<1) or elderly, rapid diagnosis and treatment are critical (antimicrobials and
blood pressure stabilization)
signs of sepsis
fever/chills, patient appears very ill, tachypnea (rapid shallow breathing --> respiratory
acidosis), tachycardia (high heart rate, decrease in BP), elevated leukocyte count,
possible confusion and rash
septic shock
complication of sepsis in which excessive inflammation causes the blood pressure to
drop dangerously low, one or more organs can fail, mortality up to 40% even with ICU
treatment, successful outcomes dependent on rapid identification and antibiotic
treatment. Cause = rapid inflammatory response due to detection of LPS, lipotechoic
acids, other microbial products
bacterial endocarditis (acute)
, inflammation of lining and valves of the heart. colonization of endocardium results in
bacteria + fibrin vegetations, protecting microbes from immunity. rapid onset,
Staphylococcus aureus is most dangerous, but can also be caused by strep. IV drug
use most common mode of entry, may also be introduced through trauma/surgery. fatal
within days if not treated. treatment = constant high dose of antibiotics in the
bloodstream, possible surgical debridement of valves/valve replacement
bacterial endocarditis (subacute)
inflammation of lining and valves of the heart. colonization of endocardium results in
bacteria + fibrin vegetations, protecting microbes from immunity. usually caused by less
virulent resident oral cavity microbiota (Streptococcus mutant, S. oralis). Introduced to
blood stream by dental procedures or vigorous home dental care, primarily affects those
with history of valvular disease. Treatment same as acute, but better prognosis. dental
patients with valvular pathology history often given prophylactic antibiotics before
procedures
anthrax
caused by Bacillus anthracis. category A bioweapon. forms endospores, facultative
anaerobe. usually infects grazing animals, can also infect humans. 3 forms =
respiratory, cutaneous, gastrointestinal. all can lead to bacteremia and sepsis
gas gangrene
caused by Clostridium perfringens (g+, obligate anaerobe, endospore forming bacillus).
fastest known doubling time, also causes food poisoning. gangrene = necrotic
putrefaction of soft tissue, GAS gangrene is a specific disease. distinct sign = crepitance
