CIC Infectious Agent Transmission 5

Question 1

An infection preventionist notes MRSA transmission persisting despite contact precautions. Which environmental factor should be investigated FIRST?

Accepted Answer

Adequacy of terminal room cleaning and disinfection practices

Answer

MRSA survives on environmental surfaces for extended periods; inadequate terminal cleaning is a common cause of ongoing contact transmission despite isolation precautions.

Question 2

The concept of 'infectious dose' in transmission refers to:

Accepted Answer

The minimum number of pathogenic organisms needed to establish infection in a host

Answer

Infectious dose is the minimum number of organisms required to successfully establish infection in a susceptible host, and varies widely among different pathogens.

Question 3

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmission in healthcare settings is MOST efficiently prevented by:

Accepted Answer

Vaccination of healthcare workers and use of standard precautions

Answer

HBV vaccination provides the most effective protection, and standard precautions (treating all blood/body fluids as infectious) prevent occupational exposure.

Question 4

Which scenario represents vertical transmission of an infectious agent?

Accepted Answer

HIV transmission from a mother to her infant during delivery

Answer

Vertical transmission refers to pathogen transfer from parent to offspring, including transplacental, perinatal (during delivery), or breastfeeding transmission.

Question 5

A hospital implements universal gloving for all patient contact. Which unintended consequence is MOST concerning for infection prevention?

Accepted Answer

Decreased hand hygiene compliance due to false sense of security

Answer

Universal gloving can create a false sense of security, leading to reduced hand hygiene compliance, which paradoxically increases transmission risk when gloves are not changed between patients.

CIC - Certification in Infection Prevention and Control Practice Test

CIC - Certification in Infection Prevention and Control Practice Test

CIC Infectious Agent Transmission 5