The Infection Control Department is notified of possible contamination of one lot of dressings.

The Certification Study Guide (6th edition) emphasizes that when a specific product lot is suspected or confirmed to be contaminated, the first priority is containment and traceability. The infection preventionist must promptly identify where the implicated lot is located within the facility so it can be removed from use, quarantined, and managed according to recall or manufacturer instructions. This step prevents further patient exposure and preserves the ability to conduct an accurate risk assessment.

Locating the affected dressings allows the facility to determine how widely the product has been distributed, whether it is still in use, and which clinical areas may be affected. This information is essential before taking additional actions such as patient notification or broad product removal. The study guide stresses that responses must be proportionate and evidence-based, avoiding unnecessary disruption or alarm.

The other options represent actions that may be considered later, depending on findings. Removing all dressings from the same manufacturer is overly broad when only one lot is implicated. Notifying discharged patients is premature unless patient exposure and risk have been confirmed. Purchasing from a different manufacturer does not address the immediate need to control and investigate the current issue.

CIC exam questions often focus on sequencing of actions during product contamination events. Correctly identifying and isolating the affected product lot is the foundational step that enables safe, effective follow-up and regulatory compliance.