ACCS ACCS Infection Control and Sepsis Management

Question 1

According to the Surviving Sepsis Campaign, what is the recommended time window to initiate broad-spectrum antibiotics after sepsis recognition?

Accepted Answer

Within 1 hour

Answer

The Surviving Sepsis Campaign recommends administering broad-spectrum antibiotics within 1 hour of sepsis recognition to reduce mortality.

Question 2

Which of the following is the most reliable early biomarker for sepsis and systemic infection in the ICU?

Accepted Answer

Procalcitonin (PCT)

Answer

Procalcitonin rises rapidly and specifically in bacterial infections, making it the most reliable early biomarker for sepsis.

Question 3

A patient meets Sepsis-3 criteria. Which intervention is the first priority after obtaining blood cultures?

Accepted Answer

Administer broad-spectrum antibiotics

Answer

After blood cultures, immediate broad-spectrum antibiotic administration is the highest priority to reduce sepsis mortality.

Question 4

Which organism is the most common cause of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in US ICUs?

Accepted Answer

Staphylococcus aureus

Answer

Staphylococcus aureus, including MRSA, is the leading cause of VAP in US ICUs, especially in patients ventilated beyond 4 days.

Question 5

Which bundle element has the strongest evidence for preventing catheter-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI)?

Accepted Answer

Chlorhexidine skin antisepsis during insertion

Answer

Chlorhexidine skin antisepsis during CVC insertion is the most evidence-based intervention for CLABSI prevention.

(ACCS) Adult Critical Care Specialty Practice Test