A client has been diagnosed with a gram-negative bacillus in his blood cultures. The health care providers know these bacteria may produce clinical manifestations such as high temperature, high respiratory rate, and low blood pressure

Question

These manifestations are primarily caused by:
A) Disrupting the sodium/potassium ATPase pump
B) Interrupting oxidative metabolism processes
C) The outer layer of the bacterial membrane acting as an endotoxin
D) The bacteria causing a decrease in protein synthesis and function

Answer 1

Ans: C
Feedback:
Bacteria and viruses can replicate within a cell, thus perpetuating the injuries. Gram-negative bacilli have unique characteristics in the structure of the outer membrane. The outer leaflet of the membrane has a lipid portion that acts as an endotoxin. If this bacillus enters the circulatory system, it causes a toxic reaction, with the sufferer developing a high temperature, high respiration rate, and low blood pressure. Other agents that are injurious to cells are unable to replicate in the cell, but they may disrupt the sodium/potassium pump, interrupt oxidative metabolism, or decrease protein synthesis.