Infection control & patient safety worksheet with answers

Why is a Gram stain often done on a specimen before the culture result is ready?

1. AIt quickly sorts bacteria into groups that help choose early treatment
2. BIt measures the number of white cells in the blood
3. CIt confirms whether the patient has a virus and which virus it is
4. DIt shows exactly which antibiotic will work

What is an adverse event in patient safety?

1. AA side effect that is listed and explained before treatment
2. BHarm to a patient caused by health care, not by the illness
3. CA complaint from a patient about the hospital food
4. DAn error that is noticed before it reaches the patient

Where must sterile items be held to stay sterile?

1. ABelow the waist
2. BAbove waist level and in front of the nurse
3. CBehind the back
4. DAny level, as long as nothing non-sterile touches it

When should the transparent dressing over a peripheral IV site be changed?

1. AWhen it is damp, loose or visibly soiled
2. BOnly when the IV catheter is removed, whatever its state
3. COnly when the patient asks for a new dressing
4. DEvery hour, so the site can be cleaned again

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

A nurse is preparing medications for two patients. What is the safest approach?

1. APut both patients’ medications in one cup and sort them at the bedside
2. BPrepare and give medications for one patient at a time
3. CAsk one patient to pass the medications to the other
4. DPrepare both patients’ medications together to save time

A patient with suspected pertussis needs to stay in a shared bay because no single room is free. What is the most appropriate arrangement while infection control is contacted?

1. ACurtains drawn, over 1 meter (3 feet) of space, masks for close contact
2. BPlace the patient next to an immunocompromised patient
3. CUse no precautions at all until a single room becomes free
4. DUse airborne precautions with an N95 respirator for everyone

A nurse finds an unknown liquid leaking from a container in the utility room, with a strong smell. What should the nurse do first?

1. ALeave the area, keep others out and alert the trained response team
2. BPour water over it to dilute it
3. CMop it up with paper towels
4. DMove closer and smell it carefully to identify what the substance is