Infection control & patient safety worksheet with answers

Free printable Infection control & patient safety worksheet: 8 problems from easy to exam level, with an answer key. Print it or save it as a PDF.

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Name: ____________________   Date: ____________

1.Easy

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

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

A corridor is filling with smoke. How should staff move through it?

  1. AOpen all windows on the way
  2. BHold their breath and run through
  3. CStay low, below the smoke
  4. DStand up straight and walk quickly
3.Easy

Which precautions are needed for a patient with scabies?

  1. ANo special precautions
  2. BContact precautions
  3. CDroplet precautions
  4. DAirborne precautions
4.Medium

An order reads “Give potassium chloride by IV push.” What should the nurse do?

  1. AGive it slowly by IV push over two minutes while watching the cardiac monitor
  2. BGive half by IV push and the rest later
  3. CDilute it in a small syringe and push it
  4. DNot give it, and contact the prescriber, because it is never given by IV push
5.Medium

Which statement about the use of physical restraints is correct?

  1. AStanding as-needed restraint orders are good practice
  2. BRestraints can be used whenever the unit is short of nursing staff
  3. CRestraints are checked once at the end of each shift
  4. DAlternatives come first, and a time-limited order is needed
6.Medium

A colleague has drawn up a medication and asks the nurse to give it to her patient. What should the nurse do?

  1. ADecline, and give only medications that the nurse prepared or checked personally
  2. BGive it, as long as the syringe has a label with the drug name on it
  3. CGive it, because the colleague is experienced
  4. DGive it, and document that the colleague prepared it
7.Hard

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 he won’t stop crying, a quick shake will get his attention.”
  3. C“If I get frustrated, I will put him safely in the crib and take a short break.”
  4. D“I can call a friend or family member to help when I am tired.”
8.Hard

Only one airborne infection isolation room (negative pressure) is free. Which newly admitted patient should be placed in it?

  1. AA patient with C. difficile diarrhea
  2. BA patient with suspected active pulmonary tuberculosis
  3. CA patient with confirmed seasonal influenza and a cough
  4. DA patient with an MRSA wound infection

Answer key

  1. 1. D · The portal of exit
  2. 2. C · Stay low, below the smoke
  3. 3. B · Contact precautions
  4. 4. D · Not give it, and contact the prescriber, because it is never given by IV push
  5. 5. D · Alternatives come first, and a time-limited order is needed
  6. 6. A · Decline, and give only medications that the nurse prepared or checked personally
  7. 7. B · “If he won’t stop crying, a quick shake will get his attention.”
  8. 8. B · A patient with suspected active pulmonary tuberculosis

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