Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) Practice Exam 2025 – The All-in-One Guide for Exam Success

Neutropenic patients have weakened immune systems due to low levels of neutrophils, which makes them more susceptible to infections. Therefore, dietary restrictions are implemented to minimize their risk of foodborne illnesses.

The correct answer emphasizes avoiding certain raw fruits, specifically raspberries and strawberries, which can harbor pathogens that pose a risk to individuals with compromised immune systems. Additionally, the recommendation to use only pasteurized dairy products is crucial because pasteurization inactivates harmful microbes, ensuring that dairy products are safe for consumption.

Fruits like raspberries and strawberries are often consumed raw and may carry bacteria or pesticides that cannot be eliminated, posing a higher infection risk. Similarly, using pasteurized dairy products helps to significantly lower the likelihood of exposure to pathogens that could lead to severe complications in neutropenic patients.

In contrast, although certain responses mention the reheating of meats or avoidance of cooked meats, these do not address the most significant hazards for neutropenic individuals concerning raw produce and unpasteurized products. Thus, focusing on safe consumption of fruits and dairy is key for the well-being of patients with neutropenia.