What is the purpose of the normal flora of the skin?
1. They control pathogens by competing with them for nutrients and space.
2. They phagocytize pathogens.
3. They secrete substances that kill pathogens.
4. They makes the skin more acidic during times of stress, which discourages pathogen growth.
Correct Answer: 1
Rationale 1: Normal bacteria and fungi on the skin compete with pathogens for space and nutrients.
Rationale 2: Normal flora on the skin do not phagocytize pathogens.
Rationale 3: Normal flora on the skin do not secrete killer substances.
Rationale 4: Normal flora do not change the pH of the skin.
Global Rationale: The skin is also colonized with a variety of bacteria and fungi that are normally harmless to the host. Microbiota (flora) compete with pathogens for space and nutrients, thus creating an unfavorable growth environment for harmful organisms. However, should the skin become broken or compromised by needlesticks or catheters, some species of normal flora may become pathogenic. Normal flora do not phagocytize pathogens, secrete killer substances, or change the pH of the skin.
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