CIC Surveillance & Epidemiologic Investigation 3

Question 1

A point-source outbreak epidemic curve typically displays which shape?

Accepted Answer

A sharp rise and fall within one incubation period

Answer

Point-source outbreaks show a sharp rise and fall within one incubation period because all cases are exposed simultaneously.

Question 2

Which statistical process control chart is MOST appropriate for monitoring monthly CLABSI rates over time?

Accepted Answer

U-chart (or C-chart)

Answer

A U-chart (rate-based control chart) is used to monitor infection rates per device-day over time and detect special-cause variation.

Question 3

What does the standardized infection ratio (SIR) value of less than 1.0 indicate in NHSN benchmarking?

Accepted Answer

Fewer infections were observed than expected

Answer

A SIR < 1.0 means the facility had fewer infections than predicted by the NHSN baseline, indicating better-than-expected performance.

Question 4

During a Legionella outbreak investigation in a hospital, which environmental source should be prioritized for sampling?

Accepted Answer

Potable water system and cooling towers

Answer

Legionella thrives in water systems; potable water and cooling towers are the primary environmental sources to sample in a healthcare outbreak.

Question 5

Which denominator is used to calculate the ventilator-associated event (VAE) rate?

Accepted Answer

Ventilator days

Answer

VAE rates are expressed per 1,000 ventilator days to account for the duration of device exposure.

CIC - Certification in Infection Prevention and Control Practice Test