Infection control & patient safety worksheet with answers

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

1. ASterilization
2. BLow-level disinfection
3. CCleaning with detergent and water only
4. DHigh-level disinfection

Why is “IU” (international units) on The Joint Commission’s “Do Not Use” list?

1. AIt can be misread as “IV” or as the number 10
2. BIt means “inpatient use” in many hospitals
3. CIt refers only to insulin units
4. DIt is only allowed in pediatric orders

Why should “U” not be written for “units” on a prescription?

1. APharmacists do not recognize the abbreviation
2. BIt is usually read as “micrograms” by pharmacists
3. CIt can be misread as 0 or 4, causing an overdose
4. DIt takes too long to write clearly by hand

Before a defibrillator shock is delivered, what must the person operating it do?

1. AAsk a colleague to hold the paddles in place
2. BHold the patient’s hand to keep them still
3. CKeep the oxygen mask on the patient’s face, held against the chest
4. DCall “all clear” and check that nobody is touching the patient or bed

A patient with active pulmonary tuberculosis must go to the radiology department. How should the patient be transported?

1. AWearing an N95 respirator that has not been fit-tested
2. BWearing a surgical mask, with radiology warned in advance
3. CWearing gloves and a gown, with no mask needed
4. DWithout a mask, because the corridor is well ventilated and short

Why can side rails be dangerous for a confused, restless patient?

1. ASide rails make the bed move by itself
2. BSide rails always cause pressure injuries
3. CThe patient may climb over them or get trapped in gaps
4. DSide rails stop staff from reaching the patient in an emergency

Which patient should the nurse assess first?

1. AA patient with an MRSA wound due for a routine dressing change
2. BA patient with tuberculosis who is asking to have visitors
3. CA patient who wants more alcohol hand rub in the room
4. DA patient on chemotherapy with a new temperature of 38.4 °C (101.1 °F)

An audit shows poor hand hygiene compliance on a ward. Which plan is most likely to improve it?

1. ARemoving all sinks so staff must use hand rub
2. BA single poster about hand hygiene placed in the staff room
3. CA combined approach with education, hand rub at every bedside, regular audits and feedback
4. DDisciplining staff who are seen not cleaning their hands, with no other change