The Hospital Infectious Disease Team Is Involved with the Study

The hospital infectious disease team is involved with the study of a healthcare-associated infection that has spread to 10% of inpatients. The infected patients are exhibiting symptoms of severe abdominal cramping, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. The RN on the infectious disease team provides education to staff regarding the pattern of bacterial growth and methods of infection control.
-The period of growth between inoculation and when the cells adjust to their environment and begin growth at their maximum rate is called the ________. 

A) lag phase
B) exponential growth phase
C) stationary growth phase
D) death phase