Healthcare-associated infection surveillance programmes require:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Standardized surveillance definitions are essential for consistency and comparability in HAI surveillance programs. While funding (A), microbiologists (C), and biostatisticians (D) may enhance surveillance, they are not absolute requirements; standardized definitions are the foundational need.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: An outbreak is commonly defined as an increase in cases above what is normally expected in a population, distinguishing it from sporadic cases (A, B) or a rapidly spreading disease without a baseline comparison (D).

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Outbreaks are typically recognized through reports from clinicians or labs noting an unusual increase in disease frequency, which is more immediate and specific than periodic surveys (A), media reports (B), or annual data analysis (D).

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Immediate control measures focus on reinforcing IPC practices (e.g., hand hygiene, isolation) to limit spread, while team formation (A), case definition (B), and alerting others (C) are preparatory steps.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The IPC practitioner’s role is to coordinate IPC policy evaluation and implement control measures, leveraging their expertise, rather than acting as spokesperson (A), leading the team (C), or providing direct care (D).