[Apr 15, 2026] CIC Ultimate Study Guide – TestKingFree [Q59-Q82]

QUESTION 59
Which of the following patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection requires Airborne precautions?

24-year-old male newly diagnosed with a CD4 count of 70

28-year-old female with Mycobacterium avium in sputum

36-year-old male with cryptococcal meningitis

46-year-old female with a cavitary lesion in upper lobe

QUESTION 60
A hospital experiencing an increase in catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) implements a quality improvement initiative. Which of the following interventions is MOST effective in reducing CAUTI rates?

Routine urine cultures for all catheterized patients every 48 hours.

Implementing nurse-driven protocols for early catheter removal.

Replacing indwelling urinary catheters with condom catheters for all male patients.

Using antibiotic-coated catheters in all ICU patients.

QUESTION 61
A microbiology laboratory plays a pivotal role in both endemic and epidemic epidemiology. Which of the following should be investigated FIRST?

One blood isolate of Streptococcus agalactiae in the nursery.

Two isolates of Staphylococcus aureus in postoperative surgical sites.

Three respiratory isolates of multi-drug resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae in the medical ICU.

Two blood isolates of coagulase-negative staphylococci in the oncology unit.

QUESTION 62
Which of the following process performance indicators should result in improvement in central line- associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI)?

All patients with a central line are on total parenteral nutrition (TPN).

100% compliance with the insertion bundle.

Povidone-iodine antiseptic ointment placed at the insertion site of a peripherally inserted central catheter line.

Routinely changing the central line over a guidewire every seven days.

QUESTION 63
The appropriate method to obtain cultures for the diagnosis of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) is:

Aseptic technique via the collection port

Removal with culture of the urinary catheter tip

Disconnection of the catheter from the drainage tubing

Aseptic technique via the drainage port of the collection bag

QUESTION 64
The Environmental Services department is purchasing a new disinfectant that is an approved hospital disinfectant with no tuberculocidal claim. This product is appropriate for cleaning which of the following items?

Laryngoscope blades

Blood pressure cuff

Respiratory therapy equipment

Ultrasound probe

QUESTION 65
Which of the following pathogens is associated with the highest risk of seroconversion after percutaneous exposure?

Shigella

Syphilis

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis C

QUESTION 66
Therapeutic antimicrobial agents should be used when

the infecting agent is unknown

the patient’s illness warrants treatment prior to culture results

the patient symptoms suggest likely pathogens.

Following identification of the pathogen and sensitives.

QUESTION 67
A 22-year-old male has a splenectomy secondary to trauma. Which of the following vaccines is MOST important for this patient?

Haemophilus influenzae type B

Pneumococcal

Hepatitis B

Varicella

QUESTION 68
Hand-hygiene audits in a long-term care facility have demonstrated consistently low levels of staff compliance. An infection preventionist is planning an education program to try to improve hand-hygiene rates. Regarding assessment of the effectiveness of the education program, which of the following is true?

A summative evaluation will accurately reflect the extent to which participants will change their hand- hygiene practices.

Repeated observations of staff will be required in order to demonstrate that the program has been effective.

A change between pre- and post-test scores correlates well with the expected change in hand-hygiene compliance.

An evaluation of the program is not required if the program is mandatory.

The correct answer is B, “Repeated observations of staff will be required in order to demonstrate that the program has been effective,” as this statement is true regarding the assessment of the effectiveness of the education program. According to the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) guidelines, evaluating the impact of an education program on hand-hygiene compliance in a long-term care facility requires ongoing monitoring to assess sustained behavior change. Repeated observations provide direct evidence of staff adherence to hand-hygiene protocols over time, allowing the infection preventionist (IP) to measure the program’s effectiveness beyond initial training (CBIC Practice Analysis, 2022, Domain IV: Education and Research, Competency 4.2 – Evaluate the effectiveness of educational programs). This method aligns with the World Health Organization (WHO) and CDC recommendations for hand-hygiene improvement, which emphasize continuous auditing to ensure lasting improvements in compliance rates.
Option A (a summative evaluation will accurately reflect the extent to which participants will change their hand-hygiene practices) is incorrect because a summative evaluation, typically conducted at the end of a program, assesses overall outcomes but does not predict future behavior changes or account for long-term compliance, which is critical in this context. Option C (a change between pre- and post-test scores correlates well with the expected change in hand-hygiene compliance) is misleading; while pre- and post-tests can measure knowledge gain, they do not reliably correlate with actual practice changes, as knowledge does not always translate to behavior without observation. Option D (an evaluation of the program is not required if the program is mandatory) is false, as mandatory programs still require evaluation to verify effectiveness, especially when addressing low compliance, per CBIC and quality improvement standards.
The focus on repeated observations aligns with CBIC’s emphasis on data-driven assessment to improve infection prevention practices, ensuring that the education program leads to sustained hand-hygiene improvements and reduces healthcare-associated infections (CBIC Practice Analysis, 2022, Domain II:
Surveillance and Epidemiologic Investigation, Competency 2.4 – Evaluate the effectiveness of infection prevention and control interventions).
References: CBIC Practice Analysis, 2022, Domain II: Surveillance and Epidemiologic Investigation, Competency 2.4 – Evaluate the effectiveness of infection prevention and control interventions; Domain IV:
Education and Research, Competency 4.2 – Evaluate the effectiveness of educational programs. WHO Guidelines on Hand Hygiene in Health Care, 2009. CDC Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings, 2019.

QUESTION 69
The infection preventionist and Occupational Health discuss the 65% influenza vaccination rate for healthcare personnel. Which is MOST effective method to increase compliance?

Require annual vaccine as a condition of employment

Offer the vaccine year round to increase compliance

Pre-schedule healthcare personnel for vaccine administration

Educate staff about risks of not receiving vaccine

QUESTION 70
Which of the following processes is a critical step in sterile reprocessing of surgical instrumentation?

Send sterile processing disposable and reusable instrumentation for sorting.

Wrap instruments in disposable pads for protection until transporting to sterile processing.

Hold dirty instruments until the evening shift to minimize handling before returning to sterile processing.

Remove bioburden at the point of care and keep instrumentation damp until it reaches the sterile processing department.

QUESTION 71
A patient with pertussis can be removed from Droplet Precautions after

direct fluorescent antibody and/or culture are negative.

five days of appropriate antibiotic therapy.

the patient has been given pertussis vaccine.

the paroxysmal stage has ended.

QUESTION 72
What inflammatory reaction may occur in the eye after cataract surgery due to a breach in disinfection and sterilization of intraocular surgical instruments?

Endophthalmitis

Bacterial conjunctivitis

Toxic Anterior Segment Syndrome

Toxic Posterior Segment Syndrome

The correct answer is C, “Toxic Anterior Segment Syndrome,” as this is the inflammatory reaction that may occur in the eye after cataract surgery due to a breach in disinfection and sterilization of intraocular surgical instruments. According to the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) guidelines, Toxic Anterior Segment Syndrome (TASS) is a sterile, acute inflammatory reaction that can result from contaminants introduced during intraocular surgery, such as endotoxins, residues from improper cleaning, or chemical agents left on surgical instruments due to inadequate disinfection or sterilization processes (CBIC Practice Analysis, 2022, Domain III: Infection Prevention and Control, Competency 3.3 – Ensure safe reprocessing of medical equipment). TASS typically presents within 12-48 hours post-surgery with symptoms like pain, redness, and anterior chamber inflammation, and it is distinct from infectious causes because it is not microbial in origin. A breach in reprocessing protocols, such as failure to remove detergents or improper sterilization, is a known risk factor, making it highly relevant to infection prevention efforts in surgical settings.
Option A (endophthalmitis) is an infectious inflammation of the internal eye structures, often caused by bacterial or fungal contamination, which can also result from poor sterilization but is distinguished from TASS by its infectious nature and longer onset (days to weeks). Option B (bacterial conjunctivitis) affects the conjunctiva and is typically a surface infection unrelated to intraocular surgery or sterilization breaches of surgical instruments. Option D (toxic posterior segment syndrome) is not a recognized clinical entity in the context of cataract surgery; inflammation in the posterior segment is more commonly associated with infectious endophthalmitis or other conditions, not specifically linked to reprocessing failures.
The focus on TASS aligns with CBIC’s emphasis on ensuring safe reprocessing to prevent adverse outcomes in surgical patients, highlighting the need for rigorous infection control measures (CBIC Practice Analysis,
2022, Domain III: Infection Prevention and Control, Competency 3.5 – Evaluate the environment for infection risks). This is supported by CDC and American Academy of Ophthalmology guidelines, which identify TASS as a preventable complication linked to reprocessing errors (CDC Guidelines for Disinfection and Sterilization, 2019; AAO TASS Task Force Report, 2017).
References: CBIC Practice Analysis, 2022, Domain III: Infection Prevention and Control, Competencies 3.3 – Ensure safe reprocessing of medical equipment, 3.5 – Evaluate the environment for infection risks. CDC Guidelines for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities, 2019. AAO TASS Task Force Report,
2017.

QUESTION 73
An infection control manager is training a new infection preventionist. In discussing surveillance strategies, which of the following types of hospital infection surveillance usually provides maximum benefit with minimum resources?

High-risk patient focus

Antibiotic monitoring

Prevalence surveys

Nursing care plan review

QUESTION 74
Which of the following is an essential element of practice when sending biohazardous samples from one location to another?

Ship using triple-containment packaging

Electronically log and send via overnight delivery

Transport by an authorized biohazard transporter

Store in a cooler that is labeled as a health hazard

The safe transport of biohazardous samples, such as infectious agents, clinical specimens, or diagnostic materials, is a critical aspect of infection prevention and control to prevent exposure and environmental contamination. The Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) emphasizes adherence to regulatory and safety standards in the “Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases” domain, which includes proper handling and shipping of biohazardous materials. The primary guideline governing this practice is the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations, which align with global biosafety standards.
Option A, “Ship using triple-containment packaging,” is the essential element of practice. Triple-containment packaging involves three layers: a primary watertight container holding the sample, a secondary leak-proof container with absorbent material, and an outer rigid packaging (e.g., a box) that meets shipping regulations.
This system ensures that biohazardous materials remain secure during transport, preventing leaks or breaches that could expose handlers or the public. The CDC and WHO endorse this method as a fundamental requirement for shipping Category A (high-risk) and Category B (moderate-risk) infectious substances, making it the cornerstone of safe transport practice.
Option B, “Electronically log and send via overnight delivery,” is a useful administrative and logistical step to track shipments and ensure timely delivery, but it is not the essential element. While documentation and rapid delivery are important for maintaining chain of custody and sample integrity, they are secondary to the physical containment provided by triple packaging. Option C, “Transport by an authorized biohazard transporter,” is a necessary step to comply with regulations, as only trained and certified transporters can handle biohazardous materials. However, this is contingent on proper packaging; without triple containment, transport authorization alone is insufficient. Option D, “Store in a cooler that is labeled as a health hazard,” may be part of preparation (e.g., maintaining sample temperature), but labeling alone does not address the containment or transport safety required during shipment. Coolers are often used, but the focus on labeling as a health hazard is incomplete without the triple-containment structure.
The CBIC Practice Analysis (2022) supports compliance with federal and international shipping regulations, which prioritize triple-containment packaging as the foundational practice to mitigate risks. The CDC’s Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL, 6th Edition, 2020) and IATA guidelines further specify that triple packaging is mandatory for all biohazardous shipments, reinforcing Option A as the correct answer.
References:
* CBIC Practice Analysis, 2022.
* CDC Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL), 6th Edition, 2020.
* U.S. DOT Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR Parts 171-180).
* IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations, 2023.

QUESTION 75
A healthcare worker experiences a percutaneous exposure to a patient with untreated HIV. The next step is to:

Initiate HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) within 2 hours.

Wait for HIV test results before starting treatment.

Offer post-exposure prophylaxis only if symptoms develop.

Retest for HIV after 6 months before deciding on PEP.

QUESTION 76
The infection preventionist notes an increase in Clostridioides difficile infections (CDI) in the ICU. A Root Cause Analysis (RCA) is scheduled. What is the goal of a Root Cause Analysis?

Proactively identify potential failures.

Identify processes to prevent recurrence.

Determine strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.

Educate staff in order to avoid individual blame.

QUESTION 77
What is the most effective early detection strategy for emerging public health threats?

Visit local, state, and federal public health websites on a regular schedule.

Subscribe to public health alerts at the local, state, and/or federal level.

Attend educational and professional webinars on global outbreaks.

Rely on information provided by the facility laboratory.

QUESTION 78
While completing compliance rounds in the Central Supply department, the infection preventionist notes items that have completed the sterilization process are showing evidence of moisture on the inside of the sterilization package. The FIRST step that the IP should take is to

re-educate the employee on the sterilization process.

instruct central supply staff to recall all items in the affected load and reprocess.

monitor employee’s compliance with facility policy regarding the sterilization process.

do nothing as it is normal to have some condensation on the inside of the sterilization package.

QUESTION 79
An infection preventionist is evaluating a new catheter that may decrease the rate of catheter-associated urinary tract infections. Which of the following provides the BEST information to support the selection of this catheter?

Staff member preference and product availability

Product materials and vendor information

Value analysis and information provided by the manufacturer

Cost benefit analysis and safety considerations

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.
References: CBIC Practice Analysis, 2022, Domain II: Surveillance and Epidemiologic Investigation, Competency 2.5 – Use data to guide infection prevention and control strategies; Domain III: Infection Prevention and Control, Competency 3.3 – Ensure safe reprocessing of medical equipment.

QUESTION 80
The infection preventionist (IP) is reviewing a laboratory report that indicates the presence of Enterococcus faecium in a 76-year-old patient’s urine culture. The patient has no symptoms of a urinary tract infection. The IP’s accurate interpretation of this result is that the patient:

Should be placed in isolation due to the risk of airborne transmission.

Has an active infection and requires immediate treatment with antibiotics.

Is colonized with the bacteria and does not require treatment at this time.

Has a pseudo-infection, which could be caused by contamination of the sample.

QUESTION 81
What data should be collected and analyzed as part of a syndromic surveillance program?

Number of blood and urine cultures

Number of visits to physical therapy

Number of surgical procedures performed

Number of over-the-counter sales of flu remedies

QUESTION 82
The MOST important characteristic to include when using a template for a comprehensive annual risk assessment is

system strategic goals and objectives.

cost savings attributed to the infection prevention and control program.