Infection control & patient safety worksheet with answers

Where can a nurse find the hazards, safe handling and first-aid steps for a cleaning chemical used on the unit?

1. AIn the patient’s nursing care plan
2. BIn the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for that product
3. CIn the incident report form
4. DIn the medication administration record for the patient in that room

To which patients do standard precautions apply?

1. AOnly to patients having surgery
2. BOnly to patients in isolation rooms
3. CTo all patients, whatever their diagnosis
4. DOnly to patients with a known infection

A drug was prescribed by a provider and dispensed by a pharmacist. Who is accountable for checking it before giving it?

1. AThe nurse manager on duty
2. BOnly the prescriber
3. CThe nurse who gives it
4. DOnly the pharmacist

A child has swallowed a button battery. Why is this urgent?

1. AIt can burn through the lining of the esophagus within hours
2. BThe only risk is poisoning from heavy metals years later
3. CIt is only harmful if several batteries are swallowed
4. DIt always passes through the gut without harm

Why is blood glucose control important around the time of surgery?

1. ALow glucose is needed around surgery so that the wound edges close more quickly
2. BHigh glucose makes anesthetic drugs work for much longer and delays waking up
3. CGlucose levels only affect patients who have type 1 diabetes
4. DHigh glucose impairs white cell function and raises the risk of surgical site infection

A patient has received oral radioactive iodine therapy. Which precaution is usually taken?

1. APlace the patient on droplet precautions with a surgical mask
2. BEncourage pregnant visitors to sit close to the patient to give emotional support
3. CLet the patient share a bathroom with other patients
4. DLimit time close to the patient and handle body fluids per radiation policy

A nurse working with a patient on contact precautions realizes the gown has a tear at the sleeve. What should the nurse do?

1. ACover the tear with a strip of tape and carry on
2. BMove away from the patient, remove the PPE safely at the doorway, clean hands and re-gown
3. CPut a second gown on top of the torn one
4. DContinue working, since the tear is small and only on the sleeve

Which action best prevents a wrong-route error with an epidural infusion?

1. AUse the same pump type and tubing for all of the patient’s infusions
2. BUse a free IV port if the epidural port becomes blocked
3. CLabel the epidural line and keep it on its own dedicated pump
4. DTape all the lines together to keep them tidy