CIC - Certification in Infection Prevention and Control Employee & Occupational Health Questions and Answers

Question 1

A newly hired healthcare worker with a history of a previously positive Tuberculosis (TB) skin test provides a documented normal chest x-ray from one year ago.
According to current CDC guidelines, what is the MOST appropriate next step for the pre-placement TB screening process?

Accepted Answer

Conduct a TB symptom screen and an individual risk assessment.

Answer

Repeat the chest x-ray to establish a new baseline.

Answer

Perform a two-step Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) to check for boosting.

Answer

Administer an Interferon-Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) blood test.

Question 2

An unvaccinated nurse sustains a needlestick injury from a hollow-bore needle used on a source patient who is known to be HBsAg-positive (chronic Hepatitis B infection). The nurse has not previously received the Hepatitis B vaccine. What is the most critical immediate post-exposure management step?

Accepted Answer

Administer both HBIG and the first dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine.

Answer

Administer the first dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine only.

Answer

Administer Hepatitis B Immune Globulin (HBIG) only.

Answer

Draw blood for baseline serology and await results before treatment.

Question 3

Which of the following scenarios requires implementation of work restrictions for an asymptomatic healthcare worker with no evidence of immunity?

Accepted Answer

An unprotected exposure to a patient with confirmed measles (rubeola).

Answer

A brief, masked encounter with a patient later diagnosed with pertussis.

Answer

An unprotected exposure to a patient with active pulmonary tuberculosis.

Answer

Sharing a breakroom with a coworker who later developed influenza.

Question 4

A hospital's Occupational Health department is updating its employee immunization policy to align with CDC recommendations for healthcare personnel. Which vaccine is considered essential and should be offered to all employees with potential exposure to blood or body fluids?

Accepted Answer

Hepatitis B

Answer

Meningococcal (MenACWY)

Answer

Hepatitis A

Answer

Polio

Question 5

A healthcare worker reports to occupational health with a fever and cough. The facility is experiencing a community-wide influenza outbreak. According to CDC guidelines for healthcare settings, what is the minimum recommended duration for work exclusion?

Accepted Answer

For at least 24 hours after their fever resolves without the use of fever-reducing medications.

Answer

For at least 5 days from symptom onset.

Answer

Until the cough has completely resolved.

Answer

Until a negative influenza rapid antigen test is obtained.

Question 6

Under the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, which of the following is a required component of an employer's Exposure Control Plan?

Accepted Answer

The identification and use of safer medical devices and needleless systems.

Answer

A mandate for all employees to receive the influenza vaccine annually.

Answer

A policy requiring post-exposure prophylaxis for all sharps injuries, regardless of source patient status.

Answer

A requirement for N95 respirator fit-testing for all clinical staff.