Wisconsin CNA State Exam Vocabulary Practice

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $4.99 payment

Prepare for the Wisconsin CNA State Exam with vocabulary practice. Study flashcards and multiple-choice questions to ace your test with Examzify's quiz.

Practice this question and more.

What is the term for microorganisms (bacteria) capable of causing infection and disease?

Patience
Peristalsis
Personal care
Pathogen

The correct answer is: Pathogen

The term "pathogen" refers to microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, that are capable of causing infection and disease in a host organism. Pathogens can invade the body, evade the immune system, and multiply, leading to various illnesses. Understanding pathogens is crucial in the field of healthcare, particularly for nursing assistants, as it emphasizes the importance of infection control measures to prevent the spread of disease. The other options do not relate to the concept of disease-causing microorganisms. "Patience" refers to a psychological state, "peristalsis" is the process of wave-like muscle contractions that move food through the digestive tract, and "personal care" pertains to assistance with hygiene and daily living activities rather than to the nature of infectious agents. Thus, "pathogen" is the appropriate term when discussing microorganisms responsible for diseases.