Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Examination Quiz

What is Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)?

• A clear, yellow liquid found only in the spinal cord.

• A clear, colorless liquid found in your brain and spinal cord.

• A blood-stained fluid that cushions the brain.

• A thick, viscous substance made by the red blood cells.

What is the primary function of CSF?

• To produce red blood cells.

• To carry oxygen to the muscles.

• To help cushion the brain and spinal cord from injury and provide nutrients.

• To circulate blood throughout the central nervous system.

CSF is made by tissue that lines which part of the brain?

• The cerebrum.

• The cerebellum.

• The ventricles (hollow spaces).

• The meninges.

Which of the following is an acute bacterial meningitis-causing bacterium mentioned in the document?

• Cryptococcus neoformans

• Staphylococcus aureus

• Candida albicans

• Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Which fungal infection is described as the most common CNS fungal infection?

• Candidal meningitis.

• Aspergillus meningitis.

• Cryptococcal meningitis.

• Coccidioidal meningitis.

A yellow-colored CSF sample, as in the pictured, is described as which of the following?

• Clear and colorless.

• Blood stained.

• Turbid.

• Xanthochromic.

What appearance of CSF is often associated with a high number of cells (e.g., in infection)?

• Xanthochromic.

• Clear and colorless.

• Turbid.

• Viscous.

In the CSF cell count procedure described, what substance is added to the CSF sample to stain the cells?

• Methylene blue.

• Gram stain.

• 3% crystal violet.

• Indian ink.

What is the dilution factor resulting from adding 1 drop of 3% crystal violet to 9 drops of CSF?

• 1 in 9.

• 9 in 10.

• 1 in 10.

• 10 in 9.

In the cell counting procedure, which microscope objective is recommended for checking that cells are white cells and not red cells?

• 4x objective.

• 10x objective.

• 40x objective.

• 100x objective.