CIC - Certification in Infection Prevention and Control Infectious Agent Transmission Questions and Answers

Question 1

A patient with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis is admitted to an acute care hospital.
Which of the following combinations of precautions is MOST appropriate to prevent the transmission of this infectious agent?

Accepted Answer

Airborne Precautions, including the use of an N95 respirator and placement in an airborne infection isolation room (AIIR).

Answer

Contact Precautions and a standard surgical mask for the healthcare provider.

Answer

Droplet Precautions, including placing the patient in a private room.

Answer

Standard Precautions alone, as the diagnosis is not yet confirmed.

Question 2

An Infection Preventionist is investigating a cluster of C. difficile infections on a medical unit. Which of the following represents the primary mode of transmission for this pathogen in a healthcare setting?

Accepted Answer

Indirect contact transmission via contaminated surfaces and hands of healthcare workers.

Answer

Airborne transmission via aerosolized fecal matter.

Answer

Vector-borne transmission from contaminated pests.

Answer

Droplet transmission through coughing or sneezing.

Question 3

Which component of the chain of infection is broken by ensuring patients with influenza wear a surgical mask when being transported outside of their room?

Accepted Answer

Portal of Exit

Answer

Infectious Agent

Answer

Reservoir

Answer

Susceptible Host

Question 4

A healthcare worker is caring for a patient with confirmed influenza. According to CDC guidelines, Droplet Precautions should be implemented. This includes which of the following practices?

Accepted Answer

Wearing a surgical mask when working within 3-6 feet of the patient.

Answer

Wearing an N95 respirator for all patient encounters.

Answer

Keeping the door to the patient's room closed at all times.

Answer

Placing the patient in a positive-pressure isolation room.

Question 5

Which of the following scenarios describes vector-borne transmission of an infectious agent?

Accepted Answer

A person develops Lyme disease after being bitten by an infected tick.

Answer

A nurse contracts hepatitis B from a needlestick injury.

Answer

A patient develops a surgical site infection from contaminated instruments.

Answer

A child contracts norovirus after touching a contaminated toy.

Question 6

To interrupt the transmission of pathogens, the 'portal of entry' in the chain of infection must be protected. Which of the following is a key strategy for protecting this link?

Accepted Answer

Performing meticulous wound care and maintaining intact skin.

Answer

Promptly treating an infected patient with antimicrobials.

Answer

Ensuring proper hand hygiene before and after patient contact.

Answer

Diagnosing and identifying the infectious agent accurately.