Infection control & patient safety worksheet with answers

A patient has suspected meningococcal meningitis (Neisseria meningitidis). Which precautions are used?

1. AContact precautions only
2. BStandard precautions only
3. CAirborne precautions
4. DDroplet precautions

Which is one of The Joint Commission’s National Patient Safety Goals for hospitals?

1. AIncrease the number of daily blood tests
2. BImprove the accuracy of patient identification
3. CReduce the cost of hospital meals and supplies
4. DShorten visiting hours on every ward

How should a labeled specimen be sent to the laboratory?

1. AIn a sealed biohazard bag, with the request form in the separate pocket
2. BIn the same bag as the request form, touching the paper
3. CIn an open cup placed on the transport trolley
4. DLoose in the nurse’s uniform pocket so that it does not get lost on the way

A patient is on a ventilator. Which bed position helps to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia?

1. AHead of the bed raised 30 to 45 degrees
2. BTrendelenburg position
3. CLying completely flat
4. DHead of the bed raised about 10 degrees

Which nursing care reduces the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia?

1. AChanging the ventilator circuit every few hours
2. BLeaving secretions in the mouth to protect the airway
3. CRegular oral care to reduce bacteria in the mouth
4. DLying the patient flat for most of the day

A patient has shingles (herpes zoster) on one area of the chest, has a normal immune system and the lesions can be fully covered. Which precautions are usually needed?

1. ADroplet precautions only
2. BAirborne precautions in a negative-pressure room
3. CProtective environment with positive pressure
4. DStandard precautions, with the lesions covered

A nurse who has a cold sore (herpes labialis) is assigned to the newborn nursery. What is most appropriate?

1. AInform the manager, who may reassign the nurse for now
2. BWear gloves and carry on as usual
3. CTell no one, and cover the lesion with makeup during shifts
4. DWork as usual, since cold sores are very common

The fire alarm sounds, but the nurse does not know where the fire is. What should the nurse do?

1. ALeave the unit and the building to find out where the fire is
2. BClose the doors to patient rooms, stay on the unit and wait for instructions
3. CEvacuate all patients down the stairs at once, starting with those in bed
4. DOpen all doors so patients can be seen easily