1. APIC Chapter 13 Meeting November 15, 2017 Question and Answer Session
Presented by:
Angela Gabasan, RN, MSN, CIC
Nurse Epidemiologist
Mount Sinai West/St. Luke's Hospital

2. Question #1
The limitations of the laboratory-based surveillance as a case-finding method include all of the following EXCEPT
a. absence of species identification
b. over estimation of cases due to reporting of repeated culture results
c. failure to identify contamination resulting from incorrect specimen collection
d. lack of differentiation of colonization from infection

3. Answer to Question #1
The limitations of the laboratory-based surveillance as a case-finding method include all of the following EXCEPT
absence of species identification
Rationale: The microbiology culture results do provide genus and species identification

4. Question #2
In the statistical analysis of data, a Type 1 or alpha error is:
a. the probability of finding significance where there is none
b. the ability to predict the outcome of a test
c. the ability of a test to eliminate false positives
d. failing to reject a null hypothesis that is really false

5. Answer to Question #2
In the statistical analysis of data , a Type 1 or alpha error is
the probability of finding significance where there is none
Rationale: Type 1 error is the likelihood of attributing statistical significance where there is none

6. Question #3
The OR manager calls the ICP to report a concern by one of the environmental service personnel about how to manage trash from “dirty cases.” The most appropriate response to the manager is to:
a. handle items according to the dirty case procedure
b. handle all items from any surgical cases in the same way
c. put “dirty case” trash only in special bags marked “isolation trash”
d. offer to observe cleaning procedures in surgery and prepare a report

7. Answer to Question # 3
The OR manager calls the ICP to report a concern by one of the environmental service personnel about how to manage trash from “dirty cases.” The most appropriate response to the manager is to:
b. Handle all items from any surgical cases in the same way
Rationale: The concept of “dirty case” does not exist as an infection prevention axiom, and thus no special treatment is required.

8. Question # 4
During varicella exposure workup on a pediatric unit, seven exposed children are identified as susceptible. When should the susceptible patients be placed on special precautions?
a. immediately
b. day 5 post exposure
c. day 10 exposure
d. when a rash appears

9. Answer to Question #4
During varicella exposure workup on a pediatric unit, seven exposed children are identified as susceptible. When should the susceptible patients be placed on special precautions?
c. day 10 post exposure
Rationale: The incubation period for varicella is commonly 2 to 3 weeks. Susceptible individuals should be considered infectious 10 to 21 days after exposure

10. Question #5 5. What type of study measures incidence? cohort
case control
experimental
cross sectional

11. Answer to Question #5
5. What type of study measures incidence a. cohort Rationale: Cohort study is a prospective approach used to equate exposure and the onset of disease or infection

12. Question #6
To compare the results of several studies making similar claims of causality, the MOST important section of the studies to review is the
a. results
b. discussion
c. materials and methods
d. introduction

13. Answer to Question#6
To compare the results of several studies making similar claims of causality, the MOST important section of the studies to review is the
c. materials and methods
Rationale: The materials and methods section will explain the details of how the study was done. Similar results cannot be claimed unless methodology is comparable.