General Study Notes Quiz

A serious bacterial disease of the GI tract, causing sudden, profuse, watery diarrhea and vomiting, leading to severe dehydration.

Vibrio cholerae, a gram-negative bacterium.

A toxin produced by Vibrio cholerae, causing increased fluid secretion in the intestines.

Fecal-oral route (contaminated food, water, or contact).

A pale, gray, or translucent stool, characteristic of Cholera.

Acute bacterial infection of intestines causing diarrhea, fever, tenesmus, and bloody or mucoid stools.

Shigella bacteria (Group A, B, C, or D).

Fecal-oral route; contaminated food, water, or direct contact.

Protozoal infection of colon, potentially extraintestinal, causing acute or chronic diarrhea, with or without bloody stools.

Entamoeba histolytica, causing tissue invasion.

Active form invades tissues, found in stools.

Bacterial infection affecting small intestines and possibly other body parts, causing fever, and digestive symptoms.

Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi.

Inflammation of the meninges surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

Viral, bacterial, or fungal infections of meninges.

Vaccine-preventable liver infection caused by HAV, causing inflammation and benign symptoms.

Chronic infection of peripheral nerves, causing skin lesions and deformities.

A severe bacterial infection of the gastrointestinal tract causing watery diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration. It is caused by Vibrio cholerae and is often spread through contaminated food or water.

An acute bacterial infection of the intestines causing bloody diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, and tenesmus.

A parasitic infection of the colon, possibly spreading to other organs, causing diarrhea, abdominal pain, and sometimes bloody stool.

Vibrio cholerae, a gram-negative bacterium that produces a toxin called choleragen.

Cholera is primarily spread through the fecal-oral route, where contaminated food or water is ingested. This can happen through contact with infected individuals or through contaminated environments.

Key symptoms of cholera include severe, watery diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, muscle cramps, and possibly cyanosis.

The hallmark sign of cholera is rice-water stool, which is a pale gray or translucent stool with a slight fishy odor.

The incubation period of cholera is typically 1 to 3 days but can range from a few hours up to 5 days.

Shigella flexneri, a member of Group B Shigella bacteria.

Bacillary dysentery is typically spread through the fecal-oral route. This can happen through contaminated food, water, milk, or close contact with infected individuals.

Typical symptoms of bacillary dysentery include fever, abdominal cramps, tenesmus (feeling of needing to defecate but unable to), and bloody or mucoid diarrhea.

Entamoeba histolytica, a microscopic parasite that can infect the colon and potentially spread to other organs.

Entamoeba histolytica has two developmental stages: trophozoites, the active form that invades tissues, and cysts, the dormant form that is infective.

Hallmark signs of acute amoebic dysentery include watery, foul-smelling diarrhea that may contain blood and mucus, alternating with periods of constipation, and tenesmus.

Complications of bacillary dysentery can include rectal prolapse, dehydration, and intestinal ulceration that could lead to bowel perforation.

Typhoid fever is usually spread through the fecal-oral route, primarily through contaminated food, water, or milk.

Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi, a gram-negative bacterium.

Typical symptoms include prolonged fever, headache, abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhea, nausea, and loss of appetite.

The incubation period for typhoid fever is typically 5 to 14 days, but can be longer.

Diagnostic tests include blood and stool cultures, Widal test, Typhidot test, and ELISA to detect the presence of Salmonella typhi and antibodies.

Meningitis can be caused by viral, bacterial, fungal, or even chemical irritants like medications or procedures.

Hallmark signs include fever, severe headache, stiff neck, nuchal rigidity, vomiting, photophobia, sensitivity to noise, and possibly seizures.

Hallmark signs of meningeal irritation include nuchal rigidity, Kernig's sign, and Brudzinski's sign.

Hallmark signs of increased intracranial pressure include headaches, vomiting, changes in mental status, seizures, bulging fontanels (in infants), and decreased level of consciousness.

Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B strep), a bacteria often found in the vagina of pregnant women.

Streptococcus pneumoniae, a type of bacteria that can cause pneumonia.

Common medications include antibiotics like ceftriaxone, ampicillin, vancomycin, and penicillin, as well as supportive treatments such as corticosteroids and fluids.

Complications of meningitis can include brain damage, hearing loss, seizures, intellectual disability, vision loss, and death.

Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent polio.

The two main types are the inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) and the oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV).

Symptoms can range from mild (abortive) to severe (paralytic). In severe cases, the virus attacks the motor neurons, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis.

Polio is primarily spread through the fecal-oral route, often through contaminated food, water, or contact with infected individuals.

Paralytic poliomyelitis is identified by muscle weakness or paralysis that can affect various parts of the body, depending on the area of the spinal cord that is affected.

Leprosy is primarily characterized by skin lesions, nerve damage, and potential deformities.

Leprosy is spread through prolonged contact with an infected person via respiratory droplets or skin break inoculation. It is not passed from mother to child or sexually.

Initial symptoms include skin lesions, nerve damage (loss of sensation) that can cause pain and weakness, and potential eye problems.

Leprosy is caused by Mycobacterium leprae, a slow growing species of bacteria.

A serious bacterial infection of the gastrointestinal tract caused by Vibrio cholerae, leading to severe watery diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration.

Choleragen enterotoxin is produced by Vibrio cholerae, causing increased water and electrolyte secretion in the intestines.

Rice water stool is a pale, gray, or translucent stool with a slight fishy odor, characteristic of Cholera.

Acute bacterial infection of the intestines caused by Shigella bacteria, leading to bloody diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, and tenesmus.

Shigella bacteria, particularly Shigella flexneri (Group B) which is common in the Philippines.

Bacillary Dysentery is spread through the fecal-oral route, via contaminated food, water, milk, or direct contact with infected individuals.

Protozoal infection of the colon, potentially spreading to other organs, causing diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloody stool.

Entamoeba histolytica is a microscopic parasite that can infect the colon and potentially spread to other organs.

Entamoeba histolytica has two forms: trophozoites (active, invading form) and cysts (dormant, infective form).

Bacterial infection primarily affecting the small intestines, caused by Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi, leading to prolonged fever, headache, abdominal pain, and digestive issues.

Typhoid Fever is typically spread through the fecal-oral route, ingested by contaminated food or water.

Typhoid Fever is characterized by prolonged fever, headache, abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhea, nausea, and loss of appetite.

Inflammation or infection of the meninges, the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

Meningitis can be caused by various factors like bacteria, viruses, fungi, or even certain medications or procedures.

Bacterial meningitis can cause fever, severe headache, stiff neck, vomiting, photophobia, irritability, and possibly seizures.

Bulging fontanels (in infants), headaches, vomiting, changes in mental status, seizures, and decreased level of consciousness indicate increased intracranial pressure.

An acute infectious disease, primarily affecting children and young adults, characterized by inflammation of motor neurons in the brainstem and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis.

Poliovirus, a Legio Debilitans virus, attacks the motor neurons, causing muscle weakness, paralysis, and muscle spasms.

The virus spreads through the fecal-oral route, via contaminated food, water, or direct contact with infected individuals.

Polio can have different forms: abortive (mild symptoms), non-paralytic (muscle spasms and reflexes), and paralytic (muscle weakness and paralysis).

A chronic, systemic infection primarily affecting the peripheral nerves, skin, upper respiratory tract, eyes, and nasal mucosa, causing skin lesions, deformities, and disabilities.

Mycobacterium leprae, an acid-fast bacillus, attacks the peripheral nerves, skin, and other tissues, causing lesions and deformities.

Leprosy is spread through prolonged contact with an infected person via respiratory droplets or skin break inoculation.

Leprosy typically starts with skin lesions, nerve damage leading to loss of sensation, and potential eye problems, causing deformities.

Approximately 4.4 million Americans are currently living with chronic hepatitis B and C, with many more unaware they have it.

Hepatitis A does not lead to chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis, meaning it doesn't cause long-term liver damage.

Dysentery is an intestinal inflammation, usually caused by Shigella bacteria or Entamoeba histolytica, leading to severe diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and bloody stools.

A blood test used to check for liver damage, especially in cases of hepatitis. It measures the level of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in the blood.

A test examining stool and urine to analyze bile levels, used to assess liver function and detect potential problems.

A blood test that measures the level of IgM antibodies, often used to diagnose recent infections like hepatitis A.

A bacterial infection of the intestines caused by Shigella bacteria, leading to bloody diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, and tenesmus.

Symptoms include bloody diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, tenesmus, nausea, vomiting, headache, and possible dehydration.

Possible complications include rectal prolapse, dehydration, and intestinal ulceration that could lead to bowel perforation.

Treatment includes IV fluids, electrolyte replacement, low-residue diet (banana, rice, crackers), and antibiotics (like Ciprofloxacin, Ofloxacin, Levofloxacin, Azithromycin).

The feeling of needing to defecate but being unable to do so, typically accompanied by pain and discomfort.

Common antibiotics include Ciprofloxacin, Ofloxacin, Levofloxacin, and Azithromycin.

A diet that is easy to digest and low in fiber, often recommended for gastrointestinal issues.

Shigella dysenteriae (Group A) is the most infectious because it lives exclusively in the human GI tract. It can develop antibiotic resistance and may invade the bloodstream.

Diagnosis typically involves stool analysis to identify Shigella bacteria, blood and mucus in the stool, and possibly rectal swab culture.

Anti-diarrheal drugs can delay fecal excretion, prolonging fever and potentially contributing to the spread of the infection.

The incubation period is typically 7 hours to 7 days, with an average of 3 to 5 days.

IV fluids with normal saline and electrolytes to prevent or manage dehydration.

Prevention involves practicing good hygiene, washing hands regularly, avoiding contaminated food and water, and properly handling food.

Oral poliovirus vaccine, a live attenuated vaccine given orally. It provides both humoral and intestinal immunity, preventing re-infection and is effective in controlling polio epidemics.

Inactivated poliovirus vaccine, given by injection. It provides humoral immunity and is safe for people with weakened immune systems.

A chronic, systemic infection caused by Mycobacterium leprae, primarily affecting the peripheral nerves, skin, upper respiratory tract, eyes, and nasal mucosa. It's not contagious, but can cause disfigurement.

People living in areas where polio is occurring should receive a booster dose of IPV (inactivated poliovirus vaccine). The booster provides lifelong immunity.

A booster dose is an additional dose of a vaccine given to maintain immunity over time. It helps strengthen the body's resistance to a particular disease.

Vaccination is crucial to prevent polio because it helps build up the immune system's defense against the poliovirus, preventing the spread of the disease and its debilitating effects.

A seizure lasting several minutes, possibly leading to cyanosis and death. It can be caused by tetanus or other medical conditions.

Focus on maintaining an open airway, monitoring heart activity, keeping IV lines patent, and preventing complications like pressure sores or contractures. Stimulation should be avoided.

Possible complication of severe muscle spasms associated with tonic convulsions.

There's no specific medication indicated specifically for tonic convulsions. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications.

A harmful algal bloom that can cause illness in humans and animals when consumed. It's also known as 'red tide' or 'harmful algal bloom.'

A syndrome caused by consuming shellfish contaminated with toxins produced by dinoflagellates, primarily affecting the nervous system, leading to symptoms like tingling, loss of coordination, and potential paralysis.

Single-celled organisms responsible for producing toxins that contaminate shellfish and cause Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning.

Common symptoms include tingling of the lips and tongue, loss of coordination, muscle weakness, and potentially even respiratory paralysis.

Shellfish at risk include quahogs, soft-shell clams, oysters, scallops, moon snails, and even lobsters and crabs.

Vinegar actually increases the toxin levels by 15 times, making the shellfish even more dangerous.

No, cooking does not destroy the toxin completely, making it crucial to avoid consuming shellfish affected by Red Tide.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is responsible for monitoring Red Tide outbreaks and issuing advisories on the safety of shellfish consumption.

Avoid consuming shellfish from areas experiencing Red Tide, especially shellfish that have been closed for harvesting. Always consult with local authorities for current advisories.

Seek immediate medical attention, as prompt treatment is essential to manage symptoms and minimize complications.

Polio exists in different forms, with varying severity: Abortive (mild symptoms), Non-Paralytic (muscle spasms and reflexes), and Paralytic (muscle weakness and paralysis).

Paralytic Poliomyelitis is characterized by muscle weakness or paralysis that can affect different parts of the body. The specific area affected depends on the part of the spinal cord that is damaged.

The motor neuron is a type of nerve cell that carries signals from the brain and spinal cord to the muscles. It allows us to move our limbs.

CT or MRI scans are helpful tools to identify inflammation in the brain and spinal cord in Poliomyelitis. They provide detailed images of the affected areas.

A lumbar tap, also known as a spinal tap, is a procedure to collect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the spinal canal. This helps diagnose inflammation and infection of the brain and spinal cord.

Medical treatment for Poliomyelitis focuses on managing pain, preventing further complications, and supporting muscle function. This can include analgesics, moist heat, physical therapy, braces, and corrective shoes.

The most effective way to prevent Poliomyelitis is through vaccination. There are two main types of polio vaccines, IPV and OPV.

IPV is the inactivated poliovirus vaccine, given through injection. It provides humoral (blood-based) immunity. OPV is the oral poliovirus vaccine, given orally. It offers both humoral immunity and intestinal immunity.

Muscle atrophy, or muscle wasting, is a common consequence of Poliomyelitis. It's a loss of muscle tissue due to inactivity or nerve damage. This further weakens the affected muscles.

Nursing care for Poliomyelitis focuses on preventing complications, managing symptoms, and supporting the patient. This includes monitoring for signs of paralysis, providing emotional support, and assisting with activities of daily living.

Enteric isolation helps prevent the spread of the Poliovirus by isolating patients with the disease. This involves practices like hand hygiene and careful disposal of bodily fluids.