Certification in Infection Prevention and Control (CIC) Practice Exam 2026 - Free CIC Practice Questions and Study Guide

Reporting the observation to a supervisor is the appropriate action for a healthcare worker who has observed a colleague not adhering to infection control protocols. This response is essential for several reasons.

First, infection control protocols are established to protect both healthcare workers and patients from potential infections and outbreaks. Non-compliance can lead to serious consequences, including the spread of infections, which can undermine patient safety and public health.

Second, notifying a supervisor ensures that the issue is addressed through the proper channels, allowing for a review of the situation and implementation of corrective measures. This approach also promotes a culture of accountability and safety within the healthcare environment, where all staff members feel responsible for maintaining high standards of infection control.

Additionally, reporting through proper protocols helps protect the individual who observed the non-compliance from potential conflict or confrontation, which can arise from directly addressing a colleague. The hierarchical structure in a healthcare setting is designed to manage such issues effectively, ensuring that concerns are handled professionally and appropriately.

Choosing to ignore the observation undermines both patient care and the credibility of the healthcare system, while documenting without action does not contribute to resolving the issue. Confronting the colleague directly may lead to defensiveness or conflict and might not lead to a constructive solution. Thus, reporting to a supervisor