CBIC Employee Health 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A healthcare worker with a latex allergy reports hives and wheezing after gloving. What is the most appropriate immediate action?
- Reassign to non-clinical duties pending evaluation (Correct answer)
- Switch to low-powder latex gloves
- Document the reaction and continue work
- Prescribe antihistamines and monitor
Correct answer: Reassign to non-clinical duties pending evaluation
Anaphylaxis risk requires immediate removal from latex exposure pending formal occupational health evaluation and accommodation planning.
Question 2: Which hepatitis B vaccination schedule is the standard series for healthcare workers?
- 0, 1, and 6 months (Correct answer)
- 0, 2, and 4 months
- 0, 1, and 3 months
- 0, 3, and 12 months
Correct answer: 0, 1, and 6 months
The standard hepatitis B vaccine series for adults is administered at 0, 1, and 6 months.
Question 3: A nurse develops a vesicular rash on her hand and wrist consistent with herpetic whitlow. She should be:
- Restricted from direct patient care until lesions are crusted (Correct answer)
- Permitted to work if wearing double gloves
- Allowed to work in non-ICU areas only
- Placed on administrative leave for 48 hours
Correct answer: Restricted from direct patient care until lesions are crusted
Herpetic whitlow is transmissible and warrants work restriction from direct patient contact until all lesions are fully crusted.
Question 4: Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV should ideally be initiated within:
- 72 hours of exposure (Correct answer)
- 24 hours of exposure
- 1 week of exposure
- 48 hours of exposure
Correct answer: 72 hours of exposure
HIV PEP is most effective when started within 72 hours of exposure; earlier initiation yields better outcomes.
Question 5: An employee health program requires annual TB screening. For a healthcare worker with a previously positive TST, which test should be used for ongoing screening?
- Symptom-based screening without repeat testing (Correct answer)
- Annual repeat TST
- Annual IGRA blood test
- Chest X-ray every 6 months
Correct answer: Symptom-based screening without repeat testing
Repeat TST or IGRA testing is not recommended for individuals with documented prior positive results; symptom screening is appropriate.
Question 6: Which of the following conditions requires permanent work restriction from performing exposure-prone procedures for an infected healthcare worker?
- HIV with detectable viral load (Correct answer)
- Hepatitis A with active jaundice
- Varicella zoster (shingles) with localized non-draining lesion
- MRSA nasal colonization
Correct answer: HIV with detectable viral load
HIV-positive HCWs with detectable viral load may require restriction from exposure-prone procedures per institutional and CDC guidance.
Question 7: The primary purpose of a post-exposure follow-up program for needlestick injuries is to:
- Provide timely medical evaluation, prophylaxis, and counseling (Correct answer)
- Document liability for future litigation
- Assess employee fitness for duty
- Identify poorly performing safety device vendors
Correct answer: Provide timely medical evaluation, prophylaxis, and counseling
Post-exposure follow-up programs are designed to promptly evaluate exposure risk, offer appropriate prophylaxis, and support the affected employee.
CBIC Employee Health 2
A healthcare worker with a latex allergy reports hives and wheezing after gloving.
What is the most appropriate immediate action?