Epidemiologic Investigation:
The first step in an outbreak response is to characterize cases by person, place, and time.
Identifying common exposures (e.g., ventilators, catheters, or contaminated surfaces) helps determine the source.
Why Other Options Are Incorrect:
A. Universal contact precautions: Premature; precautions should be tailored based on transmission patterns.
C. Environmental sampling: Should be done after identifying epidemiologic links.
D. Decolonization protocols: Not routinely recommended for Acinetobacter outbreaks.
CBIC Infection Control References:
CIC Study Guide, "Epidemiologic Investigations in Outbreaks," Chapter 4.
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