CBIC Updated CIC Exam Questions and Answers by poppie

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​.

The Certification Study Guide (6th edition) defines passive immunity as protection that results from the administration of preformed antibodies, rather than stimulation of the individual’s own immune system. Passive immunity provides immediate but temporary protection, because the recipient does not produce antibodies and therefore does not develop immunologic memory.

Tetanus antitoxin is a classic example of passive immunity. It contains antibodies that neutralize tetanus toxin directly and is used in situations where immediate protection is needed, such as after certain wounds in individuals with unknown or inadequate vaccination history. The study guide emphasizes that passive immunization is particularly important in post-exposure management when waiting for an active immune response would be too slow to prevent disease.

The other options represent active immunization, not passive immunity. Vaccines such as hepatitis B vaccine, influenza vaccine, and human diploid cell rabies vaccine stimulate the recipient’s immune system to produce its own antibodies and immune memory. While rabies immune globulin provides passive immunity, the rabies vaccine itself is an active immunizing agent.

This distinction between active and passive immunity is a frequently tested CIC exam concept, especially in the context of occupational health, post-exposure prophylaxis, and immunization programs. Recognizing that passive immunity involves antibody products (antitoxins or immune globulins) rather than vaccines is essential for accurate infection prevention decision-making.

Multi-drug resistant (MDR) Klebsiella pneumoniae in a high-risk area like the ICU requires urgent investigation because:

It spreads rapidly via contaminated hands or equipment.

It poses a serious risk to immunocompromised patients.

An outbreak could lead to severe hospital-acquired infections (HAIs).

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect?

A. One blood isolate of Streptococcus agalactiae in the nursery – Single cases are not indicative of an outbreak.

B. Two isolates of Staphylococcus aureus in postoperative surgical sites – Common post-surgical pathogen; requires monitoring but not immediate outbreak investigation.

D. Two blood isolates of coagulase-negative staphylococci in the oncology unit – Common contaminants in blood cultures and not immediately alarming.

CBIC Infection Control Reference

APIC guidelines prioritize investigating MDR pathogens in high-risk units, such as ICU, to prevent transmission​.

Standard Precautions are sufficient for congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV), which means that gloves should be used when handling body fluids. CMV is primarily transmitted via direct contact with saliva, urine, or blood.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect?

A. Wear masks and gloves – Masks are not necessary unless performing high-risk aerosol-generating procedures.

C. No barrier precautions are needed – Gloves are required when handling bodily fluids to prevent transmission.

D. Use gowns, masks, gloves, and a private room – CMV does not require Contact or Airborne Precautions.

CBIC Infection Control Reference

APIC guidelines state that CMV transmission is prevented using Standard Precautions, primarily with glove use for body fluid contact​.