NURS 1113: Epidemiology - Outbreak Investigations

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What is a key characteristic of an outbreak?

A gradual increase in disease cases over a long period of time
A disease that affects a specific age group
A random distribution of disease cases across a population
A sudden occurrence of a disease in a relatively limited geographical area (correct)

What is the primary purpose of an outbreak investigation?

To control or prevent further spread of the disease in the population (correct)
To develop a new treatment for the disease
To identify the root cause of the disease
To educate the public about the disease

What is a cluster?

A random distribution of disease cases across a population
An accumulation of cases of a disease in a specified area over a given time period (correct)
A disease that affects a specific age group
A sudden occurrence of a disease in a specific group of people

Which of the following is a way to identify an outbreak?

Regular review of surveillance data (C) Signup and view all the answers

Who may notify the health department of an unusual pattern of disease cases?

Alert clinicians, infectious control nurses, or lab personnel (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between an outbreak and a cluster?

An outbreak is a sudden occurrence that exceeds expectation, while a cluster is an accumulation of cases without regard to expectation (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the most important reason for conducting an outbreak investigation?

Control and prevention (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key factor in disease control efforts?

Knowledge of the agent (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a benefit of outbreak investigations for already established diseases?

Assessing the impact of control measures (D) Signup and view all the answers

What skill is improved through outbreak investigations?

Quantitative skills (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a way in which outbreaks can be used?

To evaluate the effectiveness of control measures (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is gained from investigating outbreaks of new or rare diseases?

Opportunity to define the natural history and at-risk population (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of preparing for field work?

To ensure the investigative team is well-equipped and knowledgeable about the scientific and operational issues (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial consideration when verifying the diagnosis of an outbreak?

Comparing clinical findings with current findings and reviewing case history, lab tests, and related investigations (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is an important factor to consider when determining if an outbreak has occurred?

All of the above (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of a well-established case definition?

It is simple, practical, and objective (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of establishing a case definition?

Identifying persons who have the condition of interest (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum rectal temperature required for a patient to be considered as having a sudden onset of fever according to the case definition of meningococcal disease?

38.5°C (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the laboratory criterion for a confirmed case of meningococcal disease?

Positive cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of descriptive epidemiology in the context of meningococcal disease?

To identify infected persons and determine clinical and biological criteria (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the category of a case that meets the clinical criteria and has a cloudy CSF?

Probable (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of identifying the 'person' in descriptive epidemiology?

To determine who is at risk and who is affected (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of verifying the diagnosis during an outbreak investigation?

To ensure that all cases are accurately classified (D) Signup and view all the answers

When should control and preventive measures be implemented during an outbreak investigation?

As soon as the link in disease transmission is identified (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of descriptive epidemiology in an outbreak investigation?

To describe the characteristics of the cases and the outbreak (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of using a systematic approach during an outbreak investigation?

It ensures that important steps are not missed during the investigation (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of reporting the findings of an outbreak investigation to nontechnical decision makers?

To inform decision-making and implement control measures (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of surveillance during an outbreak investigation?

To continue monitoring the outbreak and detect new cases (C) Signup and view all the answers