CIC Infectious Disease Processes 5

Question 1

Which scenario best illustrates indirect contact transmission of a pathogen?

Accepted Answer

A patient touching a contaminated bedside rail and then touching their eyes

Answer

Indirect contact transmission occurs when a susceptible host contacts a contaminated intermediate object (fomite) rather than directly contacting an infected person.

Question 2

The minimum number of microorganisms required to establish infection in a susceptible host is called the:

Accepted Answer

Infectious dose

Answer

The infectious dose (ID50) is the number of organisms required to cause infection in 50% of exposed susceptible hosts, and varies widely by pathogen.

Question 3

A patient with HIV/AIDS has a CD4 count of 50 cells/µL. Which category of immune compromise does this represent?

Accepted Answer

Severe immunosuppression

Answer

A CD4 count below 200 cells/µL indicates severe immunosuppression and AIDS, dramatically increasing the risk for opportunistic infections.

Question 4

During an outbreak of norovirus gastroenteritis on a hospital unit, which transmission route is primarily responsible for spread?

Accepted Answer

Fecal-oral route via contact with contaminated surfaces and hands

Answer

Norovirus spreads predominantly via the fecal-oral route through contaminated hands, surfaces, and food, requiring only a very low infectious dose (18–1000 viral particles).

Question 5

Which statement correctly differentiates bactericidal from bacteriostatic antimicrobial activity?

Accepted Answer

Bacteriostatic agents inhibit bacterial replication; bactericidal agents kill bacteria directly

Answer

Bacteriostatic drugs inhibit bacterial growth and replication, relying on the host immune system to clear the infection, while bactericidal drugs directly kill bacteria.

CIC - Certification in Infection Prevention and Control Practice Test

CIC - Certification in Infection Prevention and Control Practice Test

CIC Infectious Disease Processes 5