Pass the CBIC Infection Control CIC Questions and answers with CertsForce

The correct answer is D, "Cost benefit analysis and safety considerations," as this provides the best information to support the selection of a new catheter aimed at decreasing the rate of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). According to the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) guidelines, selecting medical devices like catheters for infection prevention involves a comprehensive evaluation that balances efficacy, safety, and economic impact. A cost-benefit analysis assesses the financial implications (e.g., reduced infection rates leading to lower treatment costs) against the cost of the new catheter, while safety considerations ensure the device minimizes patient risk, such as reducing biofilm formation or irritation that contributes to CAUTIs (CBIC Practice Analysis, 2022, Domain III: Infection Prevention and Control, Competency 3.3 - Ensure safe reprocessing of medical equipment). This dual focus provides evidence-based data to justify the catheter’s adoption, aligning with the goal of improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).

Option A (staff member preference and product availability) is subjective and logistical rather than evidence-based, making it insufficient for a decision that impacts infection rates. Option B (product materials and vendor information) offers technical details but lacks the broader context of efficacy and cost-effectiveness needed for a comprehensive evaluation. Option C (value analysis and information provided by the manufacturer) includes a structured assessment of value, but it may be biased toward the manufacturer’s claims and lacks the independent safety and cost-benefit perspective critical for infection prevention decisions.

The emphasis on cost-benefit analysis and safety considerations reflects CBIC’s priority on using data-driven and patient-centered approaches to select interventions that enhance infection control (CBIC Practice Analysis, 2022, Domain II: Surveillance and Epidemiologic Investigation, Competency 2.5 - Use data to guide infection prevention and control strategies). This approach ensures the catheter’s selection is supported by robust evidence, optimizing both clinical and economic outcomes in the prevention of CAUTIs.

The correct answer is D, "A monitoring system must be in place following implementation of interventions," as this is essential to the quality improvement (QI) process. According to the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) guidelines, a key component of any QI initiative, such as studying the incidence of infections in patients with triple lumen catheters, is the continuous evaluation of interventions to assess their effectiveness and ensure sustained improvement. A monitoring system allows the infection preventionist (IP), Cancer Committee, and Intravenous Therapy Department to track infection rates, identify trends, and make data-driven adjustments to infection control practices post-intervention (CBIC Practice Analysis, 2022, Domain II: Surveillance and Epidemiologic Investigation, Competency 2.4 - Evaluate the effectiveness of infection prevention and control interventions). This step is critical to validate the success of implemented strategies, such as catheter care protocols, and to prevent healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).

Option A (establish subjective criteria for outcome measurement) is not ideal because QI processes rely on objective, measurable outcomes (e.g., infection rates per 1,000 catheter days) rather than subjective criteria to ensure reliability and reproducibility. Option B (recommendations forintervention must be approved by the governing board) is an important step for institutional support and resource allocation, but it is a preparatory action rather than an essential component of the ongoing QI process itself. Option C (study criteria must be approved monthly by the Cancer Committee) suggests an unnecessary administrative burden; while initial approval of study criteria is important, monthly re-approval is not a standard QI requirement unless mandated by specific policies, and it does not directly contribute to the improvement process.

The emphasis on a monitoring system aligns with CBIC’s focus on using surveillance data to guide and refine infection prevention efforts, ensuring that interventions for triple lumen catheter-related infections are effective and adaptable (CBIC Practice Analysis, 2022, Domain II: Surveillance and Epidemiologic Investigation, Competency 2.5 - Use data to guide infection prevention and control strategies). This approach supports a cycle of continuous improvement, which is foundational to reducing catheter-associated bloodstream infections (CABSI) in healthcare settings.

The correct answer is D, "Hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) and hepatitis B vaccine," as this is the recommended regimen for an HBsAb-negative employee with a percutaneous exposure to blood from an HBsAg-positive patient. According to the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) guidelines, which align with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for hepatitis B virus (HBV) exposure depends on the employee’s vaccination status and the source’s HBsAg status. For an unvaccinated or known HBsAb-negative individual (indicating no immunity) exposed to HBsAg-positive blood, the standard PEP includes both HBIG and the hepatitis B vaccine. HBIG provides immediate passive immunity by delivering pre-formed antibodies, while the vaccine initiates active immunity to prevent future infections (CBIC Practice Analysis, 2022, Domain III: Infection Prevention and Control, Competency 3.2 - Implement measures to prevent transmission of infectious agents). The HBIG should be administered within 24 hours of exposure (preferably within 7 days), and the first dose of the vaccine should be given concurrently, followed by the complete vaccine series.

Option A (immune serum globulin and hepatitis B vaccine) is incorrect because immune serum globulin (ISG) is a general immunoglobulin preparation and not specific for HBV; HBIG, which contains high titers of anti-HBs, is the appropriate specific immunoglobulin for HBV exposure. Option B (hepatitis B immune globulin [HBIG] alone) is insufficient, as it provides only temporary passive immunity without initiating long-term active immunity through vaccination, which is critical for an unvaccinated individual. Option C (hepatitis B vaccine alone) is inadequate for immediate post-exposure protection, as it takes weeks to develop immunity, leaving the employee vulnerable in the interim.

The recommendation for HBIG and hepatitis B vaccine aligns with CBIC’s emphasis on evidence-based post-exposure management to prevent HBV transmission in healthcare settings (CBIC Practice Analysis, 2022, Domain III: Infection Prevention and Control, Competency 3.1 - Collaborate with organizational leaders). This dual approach is supported by CDC guidelines, which prioritize rapid intervention to reduce the risk of seroconversion following percutaneous exposure (CDC Updated U.S. Public Health Service Guidelines for the Management ofOccupational Exposures to HBV, HCV, and HIV, 2013).

Acomprehensive annual risk assessmentshould focus onfacility-specificfactors, includingpatient population, infection trends, and operational risks.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect?

A. System strategic goals and objectives– Whileimportant, goals should alignwith facility-specific infection risks.

B. Cost savings attributed to infection control– Cost considerations aresecondary to risk assessment.

D. Statewide communicable disease and HAI data–Broader epidemiological data is usefulbut should complement, not replace,facility-specificdata.

CBIC Infection Control Reference

APIC emphasizes thatfacility-specific infection data is essential for an effective risk assessment​.

To determinewhich surgeon has the highest surgical site infection (SSI) rate, use the following formula:

A screenshot of a report AI-generated content may be incorrect.

SinceDr. White has the highest SSI rate at 9.1%, the correct answer isD. White.

CBIC Infection Control Reference

SSI rates are calculated usinginfection count per total proceduresand reported aspercentage values​.

ForSarcoptes scabiei(scabies),Contact Precautionsshould remainin place until 24 hours after effective treatment has been completed. The first-line treatment is5% permethrin cream, which is applied to the entire body and left on for8–14 hoursbefore being washed off.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect?

A. When the treatment cream is applied– Themite is still presentand infectiousuntil treatment has fully taken effect.

B. When the bed linen is changed–While changing linens is necessary, it doesnot indicate that the infestation has cleared.

D. 24 hours after the second treatment– Mostcases require only one treatmentwith permethrin, though severe cases may need a second dose after a week.

CBIC Infection Control Reference

According toAPIC guidelines,Contact Precautions can be discontinued 24 hours after effective treatmenthas been administered​.

When investigating a possible cluster of infections, an infection preventionist (IP) follows a structured epidemiological approach to identify the cause and implement control measures. The Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) outlines this process within the "Surveillance and Epidemiologic Investigation" domain, which aligns with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for outbreak investigation. The steps typically include defining and identifying cases, formulating a hypothesis, testing the hypothesis, and implementing control measures. The question specifies the next step after defining and identifying cases, requiring an evaluation of the logical sequence.

Option C, "A hypothesis that will explain the majority of cases," is the next critical step. After confirming a cluster through case definition and identification (e.g., by time, place, and person), the IP should develop a working hypothesis to explain the observed pattern. This hypothesis might propose a common source (e.g., contaminated equipment), a mode of transmission (e.g., airborne), or a specific population at risk. The CDC’s "Principles of Epidemiology in Public Health Practice" (3rd Edition, 2012) emphasizes that formulating a hypothesis is essential to guide further investigation, such as identifying risk factors or environmental sources. This step allows the IP to focus resources on testing the most plausible explanation before proceeding to detailed analysis or interventions.

Option A, "The route of transmission," is an important element of the investigation but typically follows hypothesis formulation. Determining the route (e.g., contact, droplet, or common vehicle) requires data collection and analysis to test the hypothesis, making it a subsequent step rather than the immediate next action. Option B, "An appropriate control group," is relevant for analytical studies (e.g., case-control studies) to compare exposed versus unexposed individuals, but this is part of hypothesis testing, which occurs after the hypothesis is established. Selecting a control group prematurely, without a hypothesis, lacks direction and efficiency. Option D, "Whether observed incidence exceeds expected incidence," is a preliminary step to define a cluster, often done during case identification using baseline data or statistical thresholds (e.g., exceeding the mean plus two standard deviations). Since the question assumes cases are already defined and identified, this step is complete, and the focus shifts to hypothesis development.

The CBIC Practice Analysis (2022) and CDC guidelines prioritize hypothesis formulation as the logical next step after case identification, enabling a targeted investigation. This approach ensures that the IP can efficiently address the cluster’s cause, making Option C the correct answer.

Documentation of each steam sterilization cycle is a regulatory and quality requirement. It must includeload contents, thesterilizer ID,date,cycle number, and theperson who assembled the load. These details support traceability and quality assurance.

TheAPIC Textstates:

“Each item or package should be labeled with a lot-control identifier that includes the sterilizer identification number or code, a detailed list of the contents, an identifier for the person who assembled the package, the date of sterilization, the cycle number...”

Other options like themachine model numberordate sterilizer was cleanedare not routine documentation elements for every cycle.

The best response for an infection preventionist (IP) when receiving a news media call during a COVID outbreak with hospital-associated transmission cases is to refer the reporters to the hospital's media spokesperson. This approach aligns with the principles outlined in the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) guidelines, which emphasize the importance of maintaining professionalism, protecting patient privacy, and ensuring accurate communication. The IP's primary role is to focus on infection prevention and control activities rather than serving as a public relations representative. Engaging directly with the media can risk divulging sensitive patient information or operational details that may not be fully contextualized, potentially violating the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) or other privacy regulations.

Option A (answer the questions truthfully) is not ideal because, while truthfulness is important, the IP may not have the authority or full context to provide a comprehensive and accurate public statement, and doing so could inadvertently compromise patient confidentiality or misrepresent hospital policies. Option B (give vague answers to ensure patient privacy) might protect privacy but could lead to miscommunication or lack of trust if the responses appear evasive without a clear referral process. Option D (inform the reporter that the conversation must be recorded to ensure accuracy) is a procedural step but does not address the core issue of who should handle media inquiries.

Referring to the hospital's media spokesperson (Option C) ensures that a trained individual handles the communication, adhering to CBIC's emphasis on collaboration with organizational leadership and adherence to institutional communication protocols (CBIC Practice Analysis, 2022, Domain III: Infection Prevention and Control, Competency 3.1 - Collaborate with organizational leaders). This also aligns with best practices for managing public health crises, where centralized and coordinatedmessaging is critical to avoid misinformation.

The correct answer is A, "Observe all steps for reprocessing," as this is the most important process for the infection preventionist (IP) to review when evaluating a third-party reprocessor for single-use devices. According to the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) guidelines, the reprocessing of single-use devices (SUDs) by third-party entities must adhere to stringent infection control standards to ensure they are safe for reuse and do not contribute to healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Observing all steps—such as cleaning, disinfection, sterilization, packaging, and quality control—allows the IP to directly assess compliance with manufacturer instructions, regulatory requirements (e.g., FDA guidelines), and best practices (e.g., AAMI ST91) (CBIC Practice Analysis, 2022, Domain III: Infection Prevention and Control, Competency 3.3 - Ensure safe reprocessing of medical equipment). This hands-on evaluation is critical because any deviation in the reprocessing chain can compromise device sterility and patient safety.

Option B (review the facility's blueprints and policies) provides context about the physical layout and procedural framework, but it is a preliminary step that does not directly verify the reprocessing process’s effectiveness. Option C (ensure air and water cultures are performed regularly) is important for monitoring environmental contamination risks, particularly in sterile processing areas, but it is a supportive measure rather than the primary focus of evaluating the reprocessor’s core activities. Option D (obtain feedback from other IPs who use the reprocessor) offers valuable peer insights, but it is subjective and secondary to direct observation, which provides firsthand evidence of compliance and performance.

The priority on observing reprocessing steps aligns with CBIC’s emphasis on ensuring the safety and efficacy of reprocessed medical devices, a key responsibility for IPs when outsourcing to third-party reprocessors (CBIC Practice Analysis, 2022, Domain III: Infection Prevention and Control, Competency 3.5 - Evaluate the environment for infection risks). This process enables the IP to identify specific weaknesses, validate adherence to standards, and make informed decisions about the reprocessor’s suitability.