NAPLEX (North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination) Practice Exam

Which bacterium is a common cause of hospital-associated infections and is a Gram Negative rod?

1. Mycoplasma pneumoniae

2. E. coli

3. Streptococcus species

4. Pseudomonas aeruginosa

The correct answer is: Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common bacterium that is frequently associated with hospital infections. It is a Gram negative rod, meaning it has a thin peptidoglycan layer and an outer membrane that gives it its pink color when stained. This bacterium is often found in water and soil and can easily spread via contaminated medical equipment, catheters, or wounds. The other options listed are not correct because - Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a bacterium that causes mild respiratory infections, but it is not commonly associated with hospital infections. - E. coli is a Gram negative bacterium, but it is more commonly associated with food poisoning rather than hospital infections. - Streptococcus species are typically Gram positive bacteria and are responsible for illnesses such as strep throat, not hospital infections.