CIC Device-Associated Infection Prevention 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the CDC-recommended frequency for changing IV administration sets for continuous non-lipid infusions?
- No more frequently than every 96 hours unless clinically indicated (Correct answer)
- Every 24 hours regardless of clinical status
- Every 48 hours as a standard schedule
- Every 12 hours to minimize contamination risk
Correct answer: No more frequently than every 96 hours unless clinically indicated
CDC guidelines recommend changing IV tubing no more frequently than every 96 hours for continuous infusions, as more frequent changes increase manipulation and infection risk without benefit.
Question 2: Which antiseptic preparation is recommended for central venous catheter insertion site skin antisepsis?
- Chlorhexidine gluconate greater than 0.5% with alcohol (Correct answer)
- Aqueous povidone-iodine solution alone
- Normal saline irrigation
- Isopropyl alcohol alone
Correct answer: Chlorhexidine gluconate greater than 0.5% with alcohol
Chlorhexidine gluconate >0.5% combined with alcohol is the preferred skin antiseptic for CVC insertion sites due to its superior persistent antimicrobial activity.
Question 3: What is the recommended change interval for transparent semipermeable dressings on central venous catheter sites?
- Every 5–7 days or when soiled, loosened, or damp (Correct answer)
- Every 24 to 48 hours as a routine schedule
- Every 2 weeks if the site appears clean
- Daily to maximize visual inspection of the site
Correct answer: Every 5–7 days or when soiled, loosened, or damp
Transparent dressings should be changed every 5–7 days or immediately if compromised, as they allow continuous visual monitoring without frequent disruption.
Question 4: Which CAUTI risk factor is most directly modifiable by nursing staff at the bedside?
- Duration of catheter indwelling time (Correct answer)
- Patient's underlying urological anatomical disease
- Patient's chronological age
- Chemical composition of the catheter material
Correct answer: Duration of catheter indwelling time
Catheter duration is the most important modifiable CAUTI risk factor; daily nursing review and prompt removal when no longer indicated is the primary prevention intervention.
Question 5: What is the primary function of a chlorhexidine-impregnated dressing at a central venous catheter exit site?
- Reduce microbial colonization at the catheter-skin interface (Correct answer)
- Mechanically secure the catheter in its insertion position
- Absorb blood and serous fluid from the insertion site
- Monitor catheter tip placement via color change
Correct answer: Reduce microbial colonization at the catheter-skin interface
Chlorhexidine-impregnated dressings provide sustained antimicrobial activity at the catheter exit site, reducing colonization and lowering CLABSI risk.
Question 6: Which NHSN metric is used for risk-adjusted CLABSI benchmarking across facilities?
- Standardized Infection Ratio (SIR) (Correct answer)
- Attack rate per 100 patient admissions
- Cumulative incidence per 1000 patient-days
- Point prevalence at a single time measurement
Correct answer: Standardized Infection Ratio (SIR)
The SIR compares observed CLABSI events to the number predicted based on national baseline data, allowing risk-adjusted comparison between facilities.
CIC Device-Associated Infection Prevention 2
What is the CDC-recommended frequency for changing IV administration sets for continuous non-lipid infusions?