CIC Surgical Site Infection Prevention 2

Question 1

Which NHSN surgical wound classification carries the highest risk of SSI?

Accepted Answer

Dirty-infected

Answer

Dirty-infected wounds involve existing infection or perforated viscera before surgery and carry the highest inherent SSI risk.

Question 2

What is the primary reason for maintaining perioperative normothermia to reduce SSI risk?

Accepted Answer

Preserving neutrophil function and tissue oxygen tension

Answer

Normothermia (36–38°C) preserves immune cell function and tissue oxygenation, both of which are critical for preventing SSI.

Question 3

Which intraoperative surgical technique factor is a known modifiable SSI risk?

Accepted Answer

Dead space creation in wound closure

Answer

Dead space in wound closure allows fluid accumulation and bacterial growth, creating conditions that promote SSI development.

Question 4

What does the NHSN definition require for a deep incisional SSI?

Accepted Answer

Infection within 30 days involving fascia and muscle layers

Answer

NHSN defines deep incisional SSI as an infection occurring within 30 days that involves the fascial and muscle layers at the incision site.

Question 5

Which preoperative intervention reduces nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus and lowers SSI risk?

Accepted Answer

Intranasal mupirocin application

Answer

Intranasal mupirocin decolonizes S. aureus nasal carriers and has been shown to significantly reduce S. aureus SSI rates.

CIC - Certification in Infection Prevention and Control Practice Test