Infection control & patient safety worksheet with answers

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

Which measure is part of standard precautions?

1. APlacing every patient in a negative-pressure room
2. BWearing an N95 respirator for every patient contact
3. CWearing gloves when contact with blood or body fluids is expected
4. DWearing a gown and mask for every patient contact, whatever the task

Which type of latex reaction is the most dangerous?

1. AType IV (delayed) hypersensitivity
2. BIrritant contact dermatitis
3. CDry skin from frequent hand washing
4. DType I (immediate) hypersensitivity

Why are oral liquid medicines given with oral or enteral syringes rather than standard IV syringes?

1. AThere is no safety reason; it is only tradition
2. BOral syringes do not fit IV lines, preventing wrong-route errors
3. COral syringes measure intravenous doses more accurately
4. DIV syringes cannot measure small volumes of oral liquid accurately

Which equipment practice is correct for a patient on contact precautions?

1. AUsing the same stethoscope for all patients without cleaning
2. BUsing equipment from the clean utility room and putting it back unchanged
3. CTaking the patient’s equipment to the next room
4. DUsing a dedicated stethoscope and blood pressure cuff for that patient

Hair must be removed from a planned surgical site. Which method reduces the risk of surgical site infection?

1. AClipping with electric clippers just before surgery
2. BUsing wax strips on the morning of surgery
3. CShaving with a disposable razor the night before surgery
4. DShaving with a razor just before the incision

A nurse is unsure whether a sterile glove touched the edge of the sterile field. What is the correct action?

1. AAsk the patient whether they saw it
2. BWipe the glove with alcohol
3. CTreat the glove as contaminated and change it
4. DContinue, because the nurse is not sure

A patient on oxygen needs an MRI scan. Which plan is safe?

1. ATake the usual steel cylinder into the room if it is tightly strapped to the trolley frame
2. BUse only MRI-safe equipment, and never take a standard steel oxygen cylinder into the scanner room
3. CRemove the oxygen for the scan without telling anyone
4. DLeave the steel cylinder on the patient’s bed during the scan