Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) Sterile Processing Technician Practice Exam 2026 - Free Sterile Processing Technician Practice Questions and Study Guide

Staphylococcus aureus is classified as a Gram-Positive Coccus, which means it is round (coccus) in shape and retains a violet stain used in the Gram staining procedure, indicating that it has a thick peptidoglycan layer in its cell wall. This characteristic is essential in microbiology, as it helps differentiate between various types of bacteria and informs treatment options.

The term "coccus" refers specifically to the spherical shape of the bacteria, and "Gram-positive" indicates the organism's ability to retain the crystal violet dye during the Gram staining process. This staining characteristic is crucial because Gram-positive bacteria are typically more susceptible to antibiotics that target cell wall synthesis, influencing clinical treatment strategies.

In contrast, the other answers do not accurately describe Staphylococcus aureus. For example, Gram-Negative Rods are characterized by a thinner peptidoglycan layer and would not retain the violet stain, resulting in a pink appearance instead. Gram-Positive Bacillus refers to rod-shaped bacteria that are also Gram-positive, which does not pertain to the spherical nature of Staphylococcus aureus. Lastly, Spiral Bacteria refer to bacteria with a helical shape and are distinct from cocci. Understanding these classifications is critical for