CIC Dumps with Practice Exam Questions Answers

The CBIC Certified Infection Control Exam Study Guide (6th edition) emphasizes that when a potential cluster of infections is identified, the first priority is situational awareness. Before implementing control measures or advanced laboratory analysis, the infection preventionist must determine whether the cases are epidemiologically linked. Identifying the location of the patients—such as whether they are on the same unit, service, or clinic—is the essential first step in assessing the likelihood of transmission or a common source.

Option C is correct because determining patient location allows the IP to evaluate spatial and temporal relationships, which form the foundation of outbreak investigation. If the patients are colocated, this may indicate shared staff, equipment, or environmental exposure, guiding immediate and targeted interventions.

Cohorting patients (Option A) is premature without confirming proximity or transmission risk. Monitoring hand hygiene (Option B) is an important control measure but should follow confirmation of potential spread or shared risk factors. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (Option D) is an advanced molecular typing method and is never an initial step; it is reserved for later stages when epidemiologic evidence suggests related cases.

For the CIC® exam, this question tests understanding of outbreak investigation sequencing. The Study Guide consistently reinforces that defining who, where, and when comes before interventions or laboratory typing, making determination of patient location the correct first action.

The optimal specimen for identifying the etiologic agent in a prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a joint aspirate (synovial fluid). This is because:

It provides direct access to the infected site without contamination from external sources.

It allows for accurate microbiologic culture, Gram stain, and leukocyte count analysis.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect?

A. Blood – Blood cultures may help detect hematogenous spread but are not the best sample for identifying localized prosthetic joint infections.

B. Wound drainage – Wound cultures often contain contaminants from surrounding skin flora and do not accurately reflect joint space infection.

D. Sinus tract tissue – Cultures from sinus tracts often represent colonization rather than the primary infecting organism.

CBIC Infection Control Reference

APIC guidelines confirm that joint aspirate is the most reliable specimen for diagnosing prosthetic joint infections​.

HIV patients require Airborne Precautions if they have tuberculosis (TB). A cavitary lesion in the upper lobe is highly suggestive of active pulmonary TB, which requires Airborne Precautions due to aerosolized transmission.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect?

A. 24-year-old male newly diagnosed with a CD4 count of 70 – Low CD4 count alone does not warrant Airborne Precautions unless there is active TB or another airborne pathogen.

B. 28-year-old female with Mycobacterium avium in sputum – Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) is not airborne, and standard precautions are sufficient.

C. 36-year-old male with cryptococcal meningitis – Cryptococcus neoformans is not transmitted via the airborne route, so Airborne Precautions are unnecessary.

CBIC Infection Control Reference

Patients with HIV and suspected TB require Airborne Precautions until TB is ruled out​.

Coliform bacteria are indicators of fecal contamination in water, making them a critical measure of water safety. Hepatitis A is a virus primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route, often through contaminated food or water.

Step-by-Step Justification:

Fecal Contamination and Hepatitis A:

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) spreads through ingestion of water contaminated with fecal matter. High coliform counts indicate fecal contamination and increase the risk of HAV outbreaks​.

Use of Coliforms as Indicators:

Public health agencies use total coliforms and Escherichia coli (E. coli) as primary indicators of water safety because they signal fecal pollution​.

Waterborne Transmission of Hepatitis A:

Hepatitis A outbreaks have been traced to contaminated drinking water, ice, and improperly treated wastewater. Coliform detection signals a need for immediate action​.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

B. Pseudomonads:

Pseudomonads (e.g., Pseudomonas aeruginosa) are environmental bacteria but are not indicators of fecal contamination.

C. Legionella:

Legionella species cause Legionnaires' disease through inhalation of contaminated aerosols, not through fecal-oral transmission.

D. Acinetobacter:

Acinetobacter species are opportunistic pathogens in healthcare settings but are not indicators of waterborne fecal contamination.

CBIC Infection Control References:

APIC Text, "Water Systems and Infection Control Measures"​.

APIC Text, "Hepatitis A Transmission and Waterborne Outbreaks"​.

The safe transport of biohazardous samples, such as infectious agents, clinical specimens, or diagnostic materials, is a critical aspect of infection prevention and control to prevent exposure and environmental contamination. The Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) emphasizes adherence to regulatory and safety standards in the "Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases" domain, which includes proper handling and shipping of biohazardous materials. The primary guideline governing this practice is the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations, which align with global biosafety standards.

Option A, "Ship using triple-containment packaging," is the essential element of practice. Triple-containment packaging involves three layers: a primary watertight container holding the sample, a secondary leak-proof container with absorbent material, and an outer rigid packaging (e.g., a box) that meets shipping regulations. This system ensures that biohazardous materials remain secure during transport, preventing leaks or breaches that could expose handlers or the public. The CDC and WHO endorse this method as a fundamental requirement for shipping Category A (high-risk) and Category B (moderate-risk) infectious substances, making it the cornerstone of safe transport practice.

Option B, "Electronically log and send via overnight delivery," is a useful administrative and logistical step to track shipments and ensure timely delivery, but it is not the essential element. While documentation and rapid delivery are important for maintaining chain of custody and sample integrity, they are secondary to the physical containment provided by triple packaging. Option C, "Transport by an authorized biohazard transporter," is a necessary step to comply with regulations, as only trained and certified transporters can handle biohazardous materials. However, this is contingent on proper packaging; without triple containment, transport authorization alone is insufficient. Option D, "Store in a cooler that is labeled as a health hazard," may be part of preparation (e.g., maintaining sample temperature), but labeling alone does not address the containment or transport safety required during shipment. Coolers are often used, but the focus on labeling as a health hazard is incomplete without the triple-containment structure.

The CBIC Practice Analysis (2022) supports compliance with federal and international shipping regulations, which prioritize triple-containment packaging as the foundational practice to mitigate risks. The CDC’s Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL, 6th Edition, 2020) and IATA guidelines further specify that triple packaging is mandatory for all biohazardous shipments, reinforcing Option A as the correct answer.