CIC Infectious Agent Transmission 3

Question 1

A hospital experiences a cluster of Aspergillus infections among immunocompromised patients during building renovation. What is the PRIMARY transmission concern?

Accepted Answer

Airborne fungal spores disturbed during construction

Answer

Construction activities disturb soil and building materials, releasing Aspergillus spores that travel via air to susceptible immunocompromised hosts.

Question 2

Which droplet precaution characteristic distinguishes it from airborne precautions?

Accepted Answer

Droplets (>5 µm) travel only short distances and fall quickly, unlike airborne particles

Answer

Droplets >5 µm are too heavy to remain airborne for extended periods and typically travel only 3–6 feet before settling, unlike true airborne particles.

Question 3

A patient with scabies requires which type of transmission-based precautions?

Accepted Answer

Contact precautions

Answer

Scabies mites are transmitted through prolonged direct skin-to-skin contact, requiring contact precautions including gloves and gowns.

Question 4

The incubation period of an infectious disease is most relevant to transmission prevention because it:

Accepted Answer

Identifies the window during which a host may be infectious before symptoms appear

Answer

During the incubation period, individuals may shed pathogens and unknowingly transmit infection before becoming symptomatic, making this period critical for outbreak control.

Question 5

Which of the following BEST describes indirect contact transmission?

Accepted Answer

Transmission through a contaminated intermediate object such as a shared blood pressure cuff

Answer

Indirect contact transmission involves transfer of an infectious agent via a contaminated inanimate object (fomite) that serves as an intermediate vehicle.

CIC - Certification in Infection Prevention and Control Practice Test

CIC - Certification in Infection Prevention and Control Practice Test

CIC Infectious Agent Transmission 3