Infection control & patient safety worksheet with answers

What is terminal cleaning?

1. ACleaning a room only once a week, whatever happens on the ward
2. BA full clean and disinfection of a room after the patient leaves
3. CCleaning the hands at the end of a shift before going home
4. DCleaning computer terminals at the nurses’ station

Why are a low bed and floor mats used for some patients at high risk of falls?

1. AThey reduce the risk of injury if the patient falls out of bed
2. BThey help the patient sleep more deeply
3. CThey make it easier for staff to clean under and around the bed
4. DThey stop the patient from ever leaving the bed

Surgical instruments that enter sterile tissue are “critical” items. Which processing do they need before reuse?

1. ALow-level disinfection
2. BSterilization
3. CCleaning with detergent and water only
4. DHigh-level disinfection

A parent calls because a toddler has swallowed some household cleaner. The child is awake and breathing normally. What should the nurse advise first?

1. AGive syrup of ipecac from the medicine cabinet
2. BMake the child vomit, using a finger at the back of the throat
3. CWait to see whether any symptoms develop over the next day
4. DContact the local poison advice service now for specific advice

A patient has highly contagious viral conjunctivitis. Which teaching is most important?

1. AWash hands often and do not share towels, pillows or eye drops
2. BRub the eyes gently to remove the discharge
3. CWear a surgical mask whenever someone else is in the room
4. DKeep using the same contact lenses to protect the eyes

A patient with delirium is at risk of falls and of pulling out lines. Which option is less restrictive than restraints?

1. AFour side rails raised and the door closed so the patient stays in bed
2. BA vest restraint applied for the whole night
3. CA sedative given every few hours as needed
4. DA trained sitter or video monitoring with staff nearby

A nurse teaches new parents how to cope with an infant’s crying. Which statement shows a need for further teaching?

1. A“I will check whether he is hungry, wet or too warm.”
2. B“If I get frustrated, I will put him safely in the crib and take a short break.”
3. C“I can call a friend or family member to help when I am tired.”
4. D“If he won’t stop crying, a quick shake will get his attention.”

On admission, the medication list from home includes a blood thinner that is not on the new hospital orders. What should the nurse do?

1. AClarify the discrepancy with the prescriber
2. BTell the patient to take their own supply secretly
3. CGive the home dose without an order
4. DIgnore it, as the hospital orders replace home medicines