NURSING PHARMACOLOGY NCLEX EXAM QUIZ #2 LATEST EXAM WITH 50 Q&A’S WITH RATIONALES (GUARANTEED PASS) | RATED A+
NURSING PHARMACOLOGY NCLEX EXAM QUIZ #2 LATEST
1. An infection in a central venous access device is not eliminated by giving antibiotics through
the catheter. How would bacterial glycocalyx contribute to this?
o A. It protects the bacteria from antibiotic and immunologic destruction.
o B. Glycocalyx neutralizes the antibiotic rendering it ineffective.
o C. It competes with the antibiotic for binding sites on the microbe.
o D. Glycocalyx provides nutrients for microbial growth.
Correct Answer: C. It competes with the antibiotic for binding sites on the microbe.
Glycocalyx is a viscous polysaccharide or polypeptide slime that covers microbes. It enhances
adherence to surfaces, resists phagocytic engulfment by the white blood cells, and prevents
antibiotics from contacting the microbe.
 Option A: The first identified function of the glycocalyx was probably protection.
The glycocalyx is a dense, gel-like meshwork that surrounds the cell, constituting
a physical barrier for any object to enter the cell. For example, the glycocalyx was
identified to play an important role to prevent the entry of pathogens into the cell.
 Option B: The endothelial glycocalyx is continuously in contact with the
bloodstream and acts as a vital mechanosensor on endothelial cells. Specifically,
long proteoglycans with strong glycosylation such as heparan sulfate or
chondroitin sulfate are involved in this process. Often, the image of wind brushing
through trees is used: In this analogy, the “wind” of the bloodstream acts on the
proteoglycan “trees” of the glycocalyx, bending them, which creates a torque that
is transferred to the inside of the cells. This leads to various intracellular
responses such as the release of the vasodilator nitric oxide, actin cytoskeleton
rearrangement, and cell polarization.
 Option D: Considering that galectins are both glycocalyx organizing proteins and
involved in a variety of cellular processes, it appears as if the glycocalyx can ac