An adult is brought to the emergency department with third-degree burns over 40% of his body. This patient now has an increased susceptibility to which of the following organisms?

a. Streptococcus pneumoniae c. Candida albicans
b. Pseudomonas aeru-ginosa d. Clostridium difficile

ANS: B
The skin and mucosal barrier have been disrupted by the burns; therefore, this patient is suscepti-ble to Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of several pathogens that can affect hospitalized patients. Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, liver failure, or vasculitis are susceptible to Streptococcus pneumoniae. Oncochemotherapy and antibiotic therapy increase a patient's susceptibility to Candida albicans and Clostridium difficile.