The Case of Albert Chezzecook

 

Albert Chezzecook is a 40 year-old man who develops a severe headache, fever, stiff neck, and confusion over 3 days. His family brings him to the emergency department, where he has a seizure.

 

Suspecting meningitis, the doctor orders a CT scan and performs a lumbar puncture to examine his cerebral spinal fluid (CSF).

 

 

Question 1: Which of the following is a common cause of meningitis?

A: Streptococcus pneumoniae

B: Neisseria gonorrhea

C: Staphylococcus aureus

D: Legionella pneumophilia

answer (hover over)

 

 

Question 2: What do you expect to see in the CSF of an acute bacterial meningitis?

A: high glucose, high protein

B: low glucose, high protein

C: high glucose, low protein

D: low glucose, low protein

answer (hover over)

 

 

Question 3: How should samples from sterile sites be processed in the lab for polymerase chain reaction (PCR?)

A: alongside other samples, as usual

B: separate from other samples

C: alongside other samples, though should be rushed (STAT)

D: saved for the end of the day, when the lab is less busy

answer (hover over)

 

 

 

 

 

Question 4: What pathogen causing meningitis is frequently detected using PCR?

A: Neisseria meningitidis

B: Hemophilus influenza

C: herpes simplex virus

D: rotavirus

answer (hover over)

 

 

Question 5: How should samples be loaded during PCR?

A: 1- positive control, 2- sample, 3- sample, 4- sample, 5- negative control

B: 1- negative control, 2- sample, 3- sample, 4- sample, 5- positive control

C: 1- negative control, 2- positive control, 3-sample, 4- sample, 5- sample

D: 1- positive control, 2- negative control, 3-sample, 4- sample, 5- sample

answer (hover over)

 

 

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