LTC-CIP Regulations and the IP Program Questions (15 Free)
Published 2026-10-27 · Facts and text checked 2026-10-16 · Questions from our LTC-CIP study guide · Reviewed by Hana N., Quality Reviewer
These free LTC-CIP practice questions cover Regulations and the IP Program, part of Management and Communication of the Infection Prevention Program (15 items) on the exam. Regulatory requirements and running the infection prevention program. Each question comes from a practice test in our LTC-CIP study guide and shows the correct answer with an explanation.
Regulatory requirements and running the infection prevention program. On the exam this is part of Management and Communication of the Infection Prevention Program (15 items). Open each answer to read the explanation.
Question 1Medium
During a policy review, the infection preventionist is revising the hand hygiene policy to eliminate ambiguous language. Which phrase should be removed?
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Correct answer: C. As needed
The phrase 'as needed' is vague and unverifiable, failing to state a specific condition or frequency, so staff cannot know when to act and a surveyor cannot assess performance. The other choices provide concrete triggers or timeframes that can be objectively measured.
From practice test 5 of our LTC-CIP study guide (question 7). Original question, not an official exam item.
Question 2Medium
During a state survey, a nursing assistant is asked, "In your own words, what does this facility's standard precautions policy require?" The nursing assistant replies, "Wear gloves." The facility is cited for a lapse in staff understanding of infection prevention policies. Which of the following changes would most directly prevent this type of citation?
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Correct answer: A. Rewrite the policy in plain language that staff can restate in their own words, and verify comprehension during orientation and annually.
The surveyor's question specifically tests whether staff can restate the policy in their own words. A concise, clear policy that staff can explain is the direct remedy, and verifying comprehension ensures the policy is understood.
From practice test 3 of our LTC-CIP study guide (question 60). Original question, not an official exam item.
Question 3Hard
A surveyor asks the infection preventionist to show how the annual program evaluation led to practice changes. Which evidence best demonstrates the required review and revision cycle?
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Correct answer: B. A written policy change dated after the evaluation that addresses a gap identified in the review
A concrete, dated policy change that addresses a gap identified in the evaluation proves the review led to practice change. A list of infections does not show revision, and a certificate or a no-change memo does not demonstrate action.
From practice test 2 of our LTC-CIP study guide (question 7). Original question, not an official exam item.
Question 4Hard
A facility's risk assessment identifies a high rate of urinary tract infections. Which infection prevention program component best aligns with this finding to reduce the risk?
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Correct answer: A. Implementing a policy on catheter insertion and maintenance that addresses indications, aseptic insertion, and daily review of continued need.
A catheter insertion and maintenance policy directly targets the identified UTI risk by addressing indications, insertion technique, and daily review for removal. The other options address unrelated risks.
From practice test 3 of our LTC-CIP study guide (question 84). Original question, not an official exam item.
Question 5Medium
A skilled nursing facility submits healthcare-associated infection data to NHSN as required by CMS. The state health department adds carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) and Candida auris to its reportable disease list and requires electronic reporting within 24 hours of identification. The state definitions and timelines differ slightly from NHSN's. How should the infection preventionist handle these obligations?
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Correct answer: D. Maintain the NHSN surveillance system and separately comply with the state's CRE and Candida auris reporting requirements
State health departments may impose additional reporting mandates with their own definitions and timelines, and these must be met separately from NHSN reporting. NHSN reporting alone does not satisfy a distinct state requirement.
From practice test 2 of our LTC-CIP study guide (question 126). Original question, not an official exam item.
Question 6Easy
In a comprehensive infection prevention program, what is the primary function of the facility risk assessment?
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Correct answer: D. A working inventory of infection risks ranked by likelihood and impact that drives program components
The risk assessment is a working inventory of infection risks ranked by likelihood and impact, and it drives policies, surveillance, education, and other program components. The other options misstate its scope and purpose.
From practice test 2 of our LTC-CIP study guide (question 69). Original question, not an official exam item.
Question 7Hard
A state regulation requires quarterly hand hygiene audits, the local health department's current health code requires monthly audits, and CMS requires that hand hygiene monitoring be performed but does not specify a frequency. To remain compliant across all three tiers, the facility should perform hand hygiene audits:
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Monthly, because the local requirement is the strictest applicable standard
When federal, state, and local requirements differ, the facility must meet the strictest applicable requirement. The local monthly requirement is stricter than the state's quarterly frequency, so monthly audits satisfy all three tiers.
From practice test 4 of our LTC-CIP study guide (question 29). Original question, not an official exam item.
Question 8Easy
During an outbreak investigation, a surveyor asks the infection preventionist to show evidence that reportable disease notifications were submitted. What document best serves as this evidence?
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Correct answer: D. A log listing the date, pathogen, and agency notified for each report
The reporting log is the documented evidence of each notification, including the date, pathogen, and agency notified, and it is the first document a surveyor will request during an outbreak review. NHSN enrollment confirmation only proves participation, not individual reports.
From practice test 2 of our LTC-CIP study guide (question 134). Original question, not an official exam item.
Question 9Easy
How often must staff demonstrate competency in donning and doffing personal protective equipment to meet standard infection prevention program requirements?
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Correct answer: B. Annually
Annual verification of PPE donning and doffing is the standard frequency in long-term care infection prevention programs.
From practice test 3 of our LTC-CIP study guide (question 96). Original question, not an official exam item.
Question 10Medium
A newly hired licensed practical nurse is assigned to care for a resident on airborne precautions for suspected tuberculosis. The nurse has never worn a respirator and has no fit test on file. What must occur before the nurse enters the resident's room?
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Correct answer: D. A baseline fit test and complete training on respirator use must be completed first
A respirator fit test must be performed before the employee's first use of an N95 respirator, and there is no grace period for that baseline requirement. Observing a demonstration, having a negative TB test, or delaying fit testing for 30 days does not meet the standard.
From practice test 7 of our LTC-CIP study guide (question 55). Original question, not an official exam item.
Question 11Easy
A long-term care facility suspects a norovirus outbreak after three residents develop acute gastroenteritis. Many state regulations require initial notification to the state health department within what time frame?
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Correct answer: C. Within 24 hours of suspicion
A common state regulatory requirement is to notify the state health department within 24 hours when a norovirus outbreak is suspected. Waiting for confirmation or longer periods would delay the public health response.
From practice test 7 of our LTC-CIP study guide (question 98). Original question, not an official exam item.
Question 12Hard
During a state survey, an inspector reviews employee health records and finds a tuberculosis screening section blank for one nurse. The nurse has no symptoms and reported to work. Which statement best explains why this gap alone can result in a citation?
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Correct answer: B. The gap indicates a failure to maintain complete and accurate occupational health records, an infection prevention program deficiency.
An incomplete occupational health record is a deficiency in the infection prevention program because the facility cannot demonstrate compliance with screening requirements. It does not require unit closure, immediate reporting, or exclusion of the employee.
From practice test 3 of our LTC-CIP study guide (question 8). Original question, not an official exam item.
Question 13Easy
During a severe respiratory outbreak in a long-term care facility, which action is within the legal authority of the local health department?
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Correct answer: A. Mandate control measures and restrict new admissions
Local health departments have authority in public health emergencies to mandate specific control measures and to restrict admissions. They do not revoke Medicare certification, which is a federal action, and they cannot suspend a license without due process or override higher-level regulations.
From practice test 7 of our LTC-CIP study guide (question 6). Original question, not an official exam item.
Question 14Medium
A facility's infection prevention activities are overseen by a multidisciplinary committee that meets monthly, but no individual staff member has been formally designated as the infection preventionist. Which statement best reflects the CMS requirement?
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Correct answer: A. The facility is noncompliant unless at least one individual is designated as the infection preventionist
CMS requires every LTC facility to designate at least one infection preventionist. A committee alone does not meet the requirement, and CMS does not require the IP to be a physician or full-time.
From practice test 6 of our LTC-CIP study guide (question 128). Original question, not an official exam item.
Question 15Medium
A facility's infection prevention program includes surveillance and training for the skilled nursing unit only; the assisted living wing and the memory care unit are not included. Which CMS condition is most directly deficient?
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Correct answer: C. Tag F880, which requires a facility-wide infection prevention and control program
Tag F880 requires an infection prevention and control program that is facility-wide and covers all residents and personnel. A program limited to one unit does not satisfy this condition.
From practice test 4 of our LTC-CIP study guide (question 86). Original question, not an official exam item.
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