CCN Communicable Disease Management & Public Health Flashcards

Which bloodborne pathogen poses the highest transmission risk in a correctional facility due to the prevalence of injection drug use history among the incarcerated population?

Answer: Hepatitis C virus (HCV)

HCV prevalence in correctional settings is disproportionately high, primarily driven by injection drug use history, with estimates of 12–35% of inmates infected.

Upon intake, an inmate has a positive tuberculin skin test (TST) but no symptoms. Chest X-ray is negative. What is the correct classification and management?

Answer: Latent TB infection (LTBI) — offer treatment with isoniazid or rifampin regimen

A positive TST with negative CXR and no symptoms indicates LTBI, which should be treated to prevent progression to active disease, especially in congregate settings.

A correctional nurse identifies an inmate with active pulmonary tuberculosis. What is the immediate infection control priority?

Answer: Place the inmate in airborne infection isolation in a negative-pressure room

Active pulmonary TB is transmitted via airborne droplet nuclei and requires negative-pressure airborne isolation to prevent spread in the congregate correctional environment.

Which vaccine is recommended by the CDC for all incarcerated adults who lack documented immunity to hepatitis B?

Answer: Hepatitis B vaccine series (3-dose or 2-dose)

CDC recommends offering the hepatitis B vaccine series to all unvaccinated or non-immune adults in correctional settings due to elevated transmission risk.

An inmate reports a productive cough for 3 weeks, night sweats, and a 10-pound weight loss. Which nursing action takes priority?

Answer: Isolate the inmate and notify the provider for TB workup immediately

The classic TB symptom triad of productive cough >2 weeks, night sweats, and weight loss requires immediate isolation and urgent provider notification pending TB evaluation.

What is the primary goal of contact tracing when a new case of active TB is identified in a correctional facility?

Answer: Identify and test inmates and staff exposed to the index case to detect additional infections early

Contact tracing identifies exposed individuals for testing and treatment, preventing further TB transmission within the facility and into the community.