CBIC CIC Exam With Confidence Using Practice Dumps

Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) colonization is most commonly found in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Therefore, rectal or peri-rectal cultures are recommended for active surveillance screening.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect?

B. Nares or axillary cultures – CRE is not primarily found in the nasal or axillary region; this method is more relevant for detecting MRSA.

C. Abscess or blood cultures – While CRE may be present in clinical infections, these cultures are not used for screening asymptomatic carriers.

D. Throat or nasopharyngeal cultures – CRE does not commonly colonize the upper respiratory tract, so these are not ideal for active screening.

CBIC Infection Control Reference

The CDC and APIC guidelines emphasize rectal or peri-rectal swabbing as the most effective active surveillance method for CRE detection​.

The CBIC Certified Infection Control Exam Study Guide (6th edition) emphasizes that a critical initial step in any outbreak investigation is for the infection preventionist to develop a strong understanding of the organism involved, its epidemiology, reservoirs, modes of transmission, and previously reported outbreak sources. Conducting a literature search of similar outbreak investigations provides this foundational knowledge and helps guide a structured, evidence-based investigation.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic, water-associated pathogen frequently implicated in healthcare-associated outbreaks, particularly in ICUs. Prior outbreak investigations described in the literature commonly identify sources such as sink drains, faucets, respiratory equipment, humidifiers, contaminated medications, and inadequate reprocessing of medical devices. Reviewing published investigations allows the IP to anticipate likely sources, identify high-yield environmental sampling locations, and avoid unnecessary or unfocused interventions.

Options A and D may become appropriate later, depending on outbreak magnitude and reporting requirements, but they are not the initial step. Option B can be helpful but relies on anecdotal experience rather than systematic evidence. The Study Guide stresses that outbreak investigations should begin with background research and hypothesis generation, followed by targeted data collection and analysis.

For the CIC® exam, this question reinforces that effective outbreak management starts with understanding what is already known, making a literature review the most appropriate initial action.

Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease, and the best immediate action in an outpatient clinic without an Airborne Infection Isolation Room (AIIR) is to mask the patient and isolate them in a private room with the door closed.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect?

A. Patient should be sent home – While home isolation may be necessary, sending the patient home without proper precautions increases exposure risk.

B. Staff should don a respirator, gown, and face shield – While N95 respirators are necessary for staff, this does not address patient containment.

C. Patient should be offered the MMR vaccine – The vaccine does not treat active measles infection and should be given only as post-exposure prophylaxis to susceptible contacts.

CBIC Infection Control Reference

Measles cases in outpatient settings require immediate airborne precautions to prevent transmission​.