CIC - Certification in Infection Prevention and Control Surveillance & Epidemiologic Investigation Questions and Answers

Question 1

An Infection Preventionist (IP) is reviewing the facility's Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection (CLABSI) data.
The report shows a Standardized Infection Ratio (SIR) of 1.5 for the last quarter.
How should the IP interpret this finding?

Accepted Answer

The facility had 50% more infections than predicted.

Answer

The facility had 50% fewer infections than predicted.

Answer

The number of observed infections was equal to the number of predicted infections.

Answer

The facility's infection rate cannot be compared to the national baseline.

Question 2

During an investigation of a gastroenteritis outbreak in a long-term care facility, the epidemiologic curve shows a sharp increase in cases over a two-day period, followed by a rapid decline. This pattern is most characteristic of which type of outbreak?

Accepted Answer

Point source

Answer

Propagated source

Answer

Continuous common source

Answer

Intermittent source

Question 3

Which of the following is the primary advantage of active surveillance over passive surveillance for healthcare-associated infections?

Accepted Answer

It is more likely to identify all cases and provide more accurate data.

Answer

It is less resource-intensive and more cost-effective.

Answer

It relies on voluntary reporting from healthcare providers.

Answer

It is primarily used for tracking long-term endemic disease rates.

Question 4

An Infection Preventionist is investigating a potential foodborne illness outbreak following a staff potluck. Of the 75 employees who ate the potato salad, 15 developed symptoms of gastroenteritis. What is the attack rate for the potato salad?

Accepted Answer

20%

Answer

15%

Answer

25%

Answer

75%

Question 5

An IP is called to a nursing unit where three patients have developed C. difficile infection within the last 48 hours. What is the most critical first step in this epidemiologic investigation?

Accepted Answer

Establish a case definition to identify all potential cases systematically.

Answer

Implement contact precautions for all patients on the unit.

Answer

Develop a detailed hypothesis about the source of the infections.

Answer

Conduct a literature review on C. difficile transmission.

Question 6

When designing a surveillance plan for a healthcare facility, which of the following is the most important initial step?

Accepted Answer

Conducting a risk assessment of the patient population and services provided.

Answer

Selecting the software for data analysis.

Answer

Hiring additional staff to manage data collection.

Answer

Establishing the format for the final report to leadership.