Infection control & patient safety worksheet with answers

How should a nurse clean a stethoscope between patients?

1. ARinse it under running water and dry it on a towel
2. BClean it once a week, unless it is visibly dirty
3. CSend it to be sterilized in an autoclave after every single patient contact
4. DWipe the diaphragm and tubing with an alcohol or approved disinfectant wipe

Which precautions are used for a patient with rubella (German measles)?

1. ADroplet precautions
2. BContact precautions only
3. CAirborne precautions
4. DStandard precautions only

What is medical asepsis?

1. APractices that remove every microorganism, including spores, from an area
2. BPractices that reduce the number and spread of microorganisms
3. CSterilizing all equipment before every patient contact
4. DGiving antibiotics to prevent infection after surgery

A patient with difficulty swallowing is prescribed an extended-release tablet. What should the nurse do?

1. ADissolve the tablet in a glass of hot water
2. BCut the tablet in half so it is easier to swallow
3. CAsk the prescriber or pharmacist for another form and not crush the tablet
4. DCrush the tablet finely and mix it into a spoonful of applesauce or yogurt

A patient with a severe latex allergy is booked for surgery. Which measure is commonly used?

1. AUse latex-free supplies and schedule the patient as the first case of the day
2. BGive the patient antihistamines before surgery and then use the normal supplies
3. CWrap latex items in plastic before use
4. DUse latex gloves only for short procedures

Which practice with medication vials and syringes is safe?

1. AUsing the same syringe for two patients if it is flushed
2. BReusing a syringe if a new needle is attached
3. CLeaving a needle in the vial’s stopper for later use
4. DUsing a new sterile needle and syringe every time a vial is entered

A patient in the emergency waiting room has a cough for six weeks, night sweats, weight loss and blood in the sputum. What should the nurse do first?

1. APlace the patient in a shared cubicle with the curtain closed
2. BMask the patient and move them to an airborne isolation room
3. CAsk the patient to wait in the waiting room until called
4. DStart contact precautions with a gown and gloves for staff

Before the wound is closed, the sponge count does not match the starting count. What should happen?

1. AAssume that the first count was wrong and continue
2. BClose the wound to avoid a long anesthetic and recount the sponges after surgery
3. CChange the count on the record so that it matches, then close the wound as planned
4. DTell the surgeon and team, search for the item, and image the patient per policy if it is not found