Infection control & patient safety worksheet with answers

Under event-related sterility, how long is a sterile package considered sterile?

1. AUntil the end of the shift on which it was opened
2. BForever, even if the outer wrapper gets wet
3. CUntil it is opened, torn, wet or otherwise damaged
4. DFor exactly seven days after it was packed

How can patients take part in infection prevention?

1. ABy being encouraged to ask staff whether they have cleaned their hands
2. BBy stopping their antibiotics on their own as soon as they feel a little better
3. CBy sharing equipment with other patients
4. DBy cleaning their own IV sites with tap water

When should a nurse wash hands with soap and water rather than use an alcohol-based hand rub?

1. AAfter touching a patient’s bed rail
2. BWhen the hands are visibly soiled
3. CBefore every subcutaneous injection
4. DBefore putting on clean gloves

During a surgical hand scrub, how are the hands held?

1. ABelow the elbows, so water runs off the fingertips into the sink
2. BAt the level of the waist, close to the body
3. CAbove the elbows, so water runs from the fingertips toward the elbows
4. DPointing downward into the sink at all times

Why is keeping a patient warm (normothermia) during surgery part of infection prevention?

1. AWarm patients do not need antibiotic prophylaxis
2. BLow body temperature reduces blood flow and immune function in the wound
3. CWarmth sterilizes the surgical site
4. DCold makes bacteria grow faster in the operating room air and on the drapes

Why are blood cultures usually taken from two separate venipuncture sites?

1. ATo reduce the total amount of blood taken
2. BBecause each site tests a different antibiotic
3. CTo make the results come back faster from the laboratory
4. DTo help tell a true infection from skin contamination

A patient on long-term high-dose corticosteroids asks for the nasal spray influenza vaccine. What should the nurse explain?

1. AThe nasal spray is a live vaccine, so the injected inactivated vaccine is used instead
2. BPeople on steroids should never have any influenza vaccine
3. CEither type is fine, as long as it is given in the morning
4. DThe nasal spray is the best choice for people on steroids, because it is not injected

Victims of a chemical spill arrive at the emergency department with liquid on their skin and clothing. What is the priority before they enter the building?

1. ATake a full history in the waiting room
2. BDecontaminate them outside, with staff wearing appropriate PPE
3. CGive them hospital gowns and seat them in triage
4. DTake them straight into the resuscitation room so treatment is not delayed