CIC - Certification in Infection Prevention and Control Infectious Disease Processes Questions and Answers

Question 1

An Infection Preventionist is reviewing the stages of an infectious disease with a group of new nurses.
During which stage does the host begin to experience general, non-specific signs and symptoms like fatigue and low-grade fever?

Accepted Answer

Prodromal stage

Answer

Incubation period

Answer

Period of illness

Answer

Convalescence period

Question 2

A hospital is experiencing a sudden increase in cases of a specific gastrointestinal illness, significantly exceeding the expected number for this time of year within the local community. How would an Infection Preventionist BEST classify this occurrence?

Accepted Answer

Epidemic

Answer

Endemic

Answer

Pandemic

Answer

Sporadic

Question 3

Which of the following terms describes the ability of a microorganism to cause disease?

Accepted Answer

Pathogenicity

Answer

Virulence

Answer

Infectivity

Answer

Toxigenicity

Question 4

A patient with influenza sneezes, and another individual standing two feet away inhales the infectious particles. This represents which mode of transmission in the chain of infection?

Accepted Answer

Droplet transmission

Answer

Indirect contact

Answer

Vector-borne

Answer

Airborne transmission

Question 5

In the context of the infectious disease process, what is the 'incubation period'?

Accepted Answer

The time from exposure to an infectious agent until the onset of the first signs or symptoms.

Answer

The time from exposure to an infectious agent until the host becomes infectious.

Answer

The time when the host shows the most severe signs and symptoms of the disease.

Answer

The period when the host is recovering and symptoms are declining.

Question 6

An Infection Preventionist is educating staff on the chain of infection. Which of the following is considered a 'portal of entry'?

Accepted Answer

A break in the skin

Answer

A contaminated needle

Answer

A person with a weakened immune system

Answer

Coughing or sneezing