Properly written instructional objectives are a fundamental component of effective education programs and are emphasized in the Education and Research domain of the CBIC Certified Infection Control Exam Study Guide (6th edition). Instructional objectives are designed to clearly state what the learner will be able to do after completing an educational activity. The Study Guide highlights that objectives must be learner-centered, measurable, and observable, which is best achieved by using clear action-oriented verbs.
Describing learner outcomes using action words—such as identify, analyze, demonstrate, apply, or evaluate—allows educators to define expected performance and assess whether learning has occurred. These action words are typically aligned with Bloom’s taxonomy and support evaluation of cognitive, psychomotor, or affective learning domains. This approach ensures that education is outcome-driven rather than content-driven.
Option A is incorrect because communicating the intent of the program is the purpose of a program goal, not an instructional objective. Option C is unrelated to instructional design; continuing education unit eligibility is determined by accrediting bodies, not by objectives themselves. Option D is incorrect because instructional objectives are not limited to knowledge and application levels; they may address higher-order thinking skills such as analysis, synthesis, and evaluation.
For CIC® exam preparation, recognizing that instructional objectives must be written in measurable, action-oriented terms is essential, as this principle directly supports effective education, competency validation, and performance improvement in infection prevention programs.
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aQUESTION NO: 5
Following an aerosol release of anthrax, a hospital distributes antibiotic prophylaxis to all of its employees and their family members but not to members of the general public. What is the hospital implementing?
A. Closed point of dispensing
B. Hospital incident command
C. Occupational health policy
D. Syndromic surveillance
Answer: A
In the context of a biologic emergency such as an aerosolized release of anthrax, rapid distribution of prophylactic medications is a critical preparedness function. The CBIC Certified Infection Control Exam Study Guide (6th edition) describes a closed point of dispensing (POD) as a mechanism by which an organization dispenses medications or vaccines to a defined, non-public population, such as employees and their families, rather than the general public.
Hospitals commonly serve as closed PODs during public health emergencies to ensure continuity of operations. By providing antibiotic prophylaxis to healthcare workers and their household contacts, the hospital reduces absenteeism, protects its workforce, and maintains its ability to deliver patient care during a crisis. This approach is typically coordinated with public health authorities but is operationally managed by the organization for its designated population.
The other options do not best fit the scenario. Hospital incident command is a management structure used to coordinate response activities but does not specifically describe medication distribution. An occupational health policy governs routine employee health practices and does not extend to family members during emergency prophylaxis. Syndromic surveillance refers to monitoring data for early detection of outbreaks, not to dispensing antibiotics.
Closed POD operations are a key component of emergency preparedness and bioterrorism response planning, and recognition of this concept is essential for CIC® exam candidates.
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