Test Flashcards

Which calculation correctly expresses a central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) rate per NHSN methodology?

Answer: (Number of CLABSIs / Number of central line days) × 1,000

NHSN expresses CLABSI rates as the number of CLABSIs per 1,000 central line days to account for the duration of device use.

An infection preventionist receives a report of increased Acinetobacter baumannii infections in the ICU. Which infection control measure is the highest priority?

Answer: Initiate contact precautions for all colonized and infected patients

Contact precautions for all colonized or infected patients are the priority intervention to prevent horizontal transmission of Acinetobacter baumannii.

Which element of a surveillance program ensures that data reflect actual infection events and are not inflated by case misclassification?

Answer: Specificity and positive predictive value of case definitions

Applying standardized case definitions with high specificity and positive predictive value ensures surveillance data accurately represent true infection events.

Which occupational health measure is the primary strategy for preventing healthcare worker influenza transmission to vulnerable patients?

Answer: Annual influenza vaccination of healthcare personnel

Annual influenza vaccination of healthcare personnel is the primary evidence-based strategy for reducing transmission to high-risk patients.

A quality improvement team wants to track CAUTI rates over time to detect trends. Which display format is most appropriate?

Answer: Statistical process control (SPC) run chart or control chart

SPC run charts and control charts display data over time and use statistical rules to distinguish common-cause variation from special-cause (signal) variation.

Cohorting of patients during a norovirus outbreak means:

Answer: Grouping ill patients together and assigning dedicated staff to care for them

Cohorting groups infected patients and assigns dedicated staff to minimize cross-transmission during outbreaks of highly contagious organisms like norovirus.

Which action represents the most important step when a needlestick injury occurs to a healthcare worker?

Answer: Squeeze the wound to express blood, wash thoroughly with soap and water, and report immediately per facility protocol

Immediate first aid (washing with soap and water), followed by prompt reporting per facility protocol, ensures timely evaluation and post-exposure prophylaxis if indicated.