CBIC Healthcare-Associated Infections Flashcards

According to NHSN criteria, what is the minimum timeframe after hospital admission before an infection is classified as a healthcare-associated infection (HAI)?

Answer: 48 hours

NHSN defines an HAI as an infection not present or incubating at admission, typically occurring more than 48 hours after hospital admission.

Which HAI type is most commonly associated with the use of central venous catheters?

Answer: CLABSI

Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) are directly linked to the presence of central venous catheters.

Which pathogen is the most common cause of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) in US hospitals?

Answer: Escherichia coli

Escherichia coli is the most frequently identified pathogen in CAUTIs, reflecting its prevalence in the gastrointestinal and perineal flora.

The bundle approach to preventing CLABSI includes which of the following elements?

Answer: Maximal sterile barrier precautions during insertion

Maximal sterile barrier precautions (cap, mask, sterile gown, gloves, and full-body drape) during insertion is a core CLABSI prevention bundle element.

Which measure is most effective in reducing the incidence of surgical site infections (SSIs)?

Answer: Appropriate timing of preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis

Administering prophylactic antibiotics within 60 minutes before incision (within 120 minutes for vancomycin/fluoroquinolones) is the most evidence-based SSI prevention measure.

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) prevention bundles typically include which intervention?

Answer: Maintaining head-of-bed elevation at 30–45 degrees

Elevating the head of the bed to 30–45 degrees reduces aspiration of oropharyngeal secretions, a key mechanism in VAP development.