CCN CCN Communicable Disease Management & Public Health

Question 1

Which bloodborne pathogen poses the highest transmission risk in a correctional facility due to the prevalence of injection drug use history among the incarcerated population?

Accepted Answer

Hepatitis C virus (HCV)

Answer

HCV prevalence in correctional settings is disproportionately high, primarily driven by injection drug use history, with estimates of 12–35% of inmates infected.

Question 2

Upon intake, an inmate has a positive tuberculin skin test (TST) but no symptoms. Chest X-ray is negative. What is the correct classification and management?

Accepted Answer

Latent TB infection (LTBI) — offer treatment with isoniazid or rifampin regimen

Answer

A positive TST with negative CXR and no symptoms indicates LTBI, which should be treated to prevent progression to active disease, especially in congregate settings.

Question 3

A correctional nurse identifies an inmate with active pulmonary tuberculosis. What is the immediate infection control priority?

Accepted Answer

Place the inmate in airborne infection isolation in a negative-pressure room

Answer

Active pulmonary TB is transmitted via airborne droplet nuclei and requires negative-pressure airborne isolation to prevent spread in the congregate correctional environment.

Question 4

Which vaccine is recommended by the CDC for all incarcerated adults who lack documented immunity to hepatitis B?

Accepted Answer

Hepatitis B vaccine series (3-dose or 2-dose)

Answer

CDC recommends offering the hepatitis B vaccine series to all unvaccinated or non-immune adults in correctional settings due to elevated transmission risk.

Question 5

An inmate reports a productive cough for 3 weeks, night sweats, and a 10-pound weight loss. Which nursing action takes priority?

Accepted Answer

Isolate the inmate and notify the provider for TB workup immediately

Answer

The classic TB symptom triad of productive cough >2 weeks, night sweats, and weight loss requires immediate isolation and urgent provider notification pending TB evaluation.

(CCN) Certified Corrections Nurse Practice Test

(CCN) Certified Corrections Nurse Practice Test

CCN CCN Communicable Disease Management & Public Health