CBIC Updated CIC Exam Questions and Answers by idrees

The correct answer is B, "Fishbone diagram," as this is the most appropriate quality tool for the team to use when determining what has contributed to the recent increase in catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). According to the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) guidelines, the fishbone diagram, also known as an Ishikawa or cause-and-effect diagram, is a structured tool used to identify and categorize potential causes of a problem. In this case, the team needs to explore the root causes of the CAUTI increase, which could include factors such as improper catheter insertion techniques, inadequate maintenance, staff training gaps, or environmental issues (CBIC Practice Analysis, 2022, Domain II: Surveillance and Epidemiologic Investigation, Competency 2.2 - Analyze surveillance data). The fishbone diagram organizes these causes into categories (e.g., people, process, equipment, environment), facilitating a comprehensive analysis and guiding further investigation or intervention.

Option A (gap analysis) is useful for comparing current performance against a desired standard or benchmark, but it is more suited for identifying deficiencies in existing processes rather thanuncovering the specific causes of a recent increase. Option C (plan, do, study, act [PDSA]) is a cyclical quality improvement methodology for testing and implementing changes, which would be relevant after identifying causes and designing interventions, not as the initial tool for root cause analysis. Option D (failure mode and effect analysis [FMEA]) is a proactive risk assessment tool used to predict and mitigate potential failures in a process before they occur, making it less applicable to analyzing an existing increase in CAUTIs.

The use of a fishbone diagram aligns with CBIC’s emphasis on using data-driven tools to investigate and address healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) like CAUTIs, supporting the team’s goal of pinpointing contributory factors (CBIC Practice Analysis, 2022, Domain II: Surveillance and Epidemiologic Investigation, Competency 2.3 - Identify risk factors for healthcare-associated infections). This tool’s visual and collaborative nature also fosters team engagement, which is essential for effective problem-solving in infection prevention.

Chlorhexidine-impregnated dressings reduce central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) by preventing bacterial colonization​.

Routine catheter replacement (A) increases insertion risks without reducing infections.

Daily blood cultures (C) are unnecessary and lead to false positives.

Povidone-iodine (D) is less effective than chlorhexidine for skin antisepsis.

CBIC Infection Control References:

APIC Text, "CLABSI Prevention Measures," Chapter 10​.

The correct answer is D, "Cost benefit analysis and safety considerations," as this provides the best information to support the selection of a new catheter aimed at decreasing the rate of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). According to the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) guidelines, selecting medical devices like catheters for infection prevention involves a comprehensive evaluation that balances efficacy, safety, and economic impact. A cost-benefit analysis assesses the financial implications (e.g., reduced infection rates leading to lower treatment costs) against the cost of the new catheter, while safety considerations ensure the device minimizes patient risk, such as reducing biofilm formation or irritation that contributes to CAUTIs (CBIC Practice Analysis, 2022, Domain III: Infection Prevention and Control, Competency 3.3 - Ensure safe reprocessing of medical equipment). This dual focus provides evidence-based data to justify the catheter’s adoption, aligning with the goal of improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).

Option A (staff member preference and product availability) is subjective and logistical rather than evidence-based, making it insufficient for a decision that impacts infection rates. Option B (product materials and vendor information) offers technical details but lacks the broader context of efficacy and cost-effectiveness needed for a comprehensive evaluation. Option C (value analysis and information provided by the manufacturer) includes a structured assessment of value, but it may be biased toward the manufacturer’s claims and lacks the independent safety and cost-benefit perspective critical for infection prevention decisions.

The emphasis on cost-benefit analysis and safety considerations reflects CBIC’s priority on using data-driven and patient-centered approaches to select interventions that enhance infection control (CBIC Practice Analysis, 2022, Domain II: Surveillance and Epidemiologic Investigation, Competency 2.5 - Use data to guide infection prevention and control strategies). This approach ensures the catheter’s selection is supported by robust evidence, optimizing both clinical and economic outcomes in the prevention of CAUTIs.

Theincidence rateis calculated using the formula:

A white paper with black text AI-generated content may be incorrect.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect?

B. (30 ÷ 150,000) × 100 = X– Incorrectmultiplier(should be100,000for standard incidence rate).

C. (115 ÷ 150,000) × 100,000 = X–115 represents total cases (prevalence), not incidence.

D. (115 ÷ 100,000) × 100 = X– Uses thewrong denominator and multiplier.

CBIC Infection Control Reference

APIC defines theincidence rate as the number of new cases per population unit, typically per 100,000 people​.