Infection control & patient safety worksheet with answers

In the chain of infection, which link is broken when a patient covers the mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing?

1. AThe reservoir
2. BThe susceptible host
3. CThe portal of exit
4. DThe infectious agent

What is a “near miss”?

1. AA correct action that was delayed for a short time
2. BA complaint made by a patient or relative
3. CAn error that reached the patient and caused serious harm
4. DAn error that was caught before it reached the patient

Which device warns staff when a patient at high risk of falls starts to get up?

1. AA cardiac monitor
2. BA bed or chair exit alarm
3. CA pulse oximeter
4. DAn infusion pump occlusion alarm

During a norovirus outbreak on a ward, which hand hygiene method should staff use after patient care?

1. AWashing with soap and water
2. BAlcohol hand rub only
3. CNo hand hygiene if gloves were worn
4. DWiping hands on a paper towel only

Why must an insulin pen never be used for more than one patient, even with a new needle?

1. ABlood can flow back into the cartridge and spread infection
2. BSharing a pen changes the dose that is delivered
3. CEach pen holds only one dose of insulin
4. DThe insulin in the pen would expire faster once it is shared

An infusion pump’s drug library warns that the programmed dose is above the safe limit. What should the nurse do?

1. AContinue the infusion and recheck the pump at the end of the shift
2. BSwitch off the drug library for this infusion
3. CRecheck the order, the calculation and the pump settings first
4. DOverride the alert, because pump alerts are often wrong

A nurse has a needlestick from a patient with hepatitis B. The nurse finished the vaccine series and has a documented protective antibody level. Which statement is correct?

1. ANo hepatitis B treatment is needed, but the injury is still reported and followed up
2. BThe nurse must stop all patient care for six months
3. CHepatitis B immune globulin and a complete new vaccine series are both needed at once
4. DNo reporting is needed because the nurse is immune

Patients contaminated with radioactive dust arrive at the hospital. Which step removes most of the external contamination?

1. AWrapping the patient in a blanket
2. BGiving the patient potassium iodide
3. CRemoving the patient’s clothing
4. DScrubbing the skin until it is red