Infection control & patient safety worksheet with answers

Before a nurse wears an N95 respirator, what is required?

1. AA fit test, plus a seal check at each use
2. BNothing, because one size fits every face
3. CWearing a surgical mask underneath it
4. DWashing it with soap before first use

What do staff usually wear when entering the room of a patient on droplet precautions?

1. AAn N95 respirator only
2. BA surgical mask
3. CSterile gloves
4. DA full hazmat suit

In the fire safety acronym RACE, what does the C stand for?

1. AClear the corridor of all equipment first
2. BCall the family of each patient on the unit
3. CCool the room by turning on the air conditioning
4. DContain the fire by closing doors and windows

A family member tells the nurse, “My father is not himself. Something is wrong.” The hospital has a family-activated rapid response system. What is correct?

1. AThe family can call the rapid response team if they are worried and staff have not responded
2. BThe family must wait for the next scheduled ward round to raise the concern with a doctor
3. CThe family should call emergency services from outside the hospital
4. DOnly doctors may call the rapid response team

Why is “QD” (once daily) on The Joint Commission’s “Do Not Use” list?

1. AIt is a Latin abbreviation, and only plain English abbreviations may be used
2. BIt means “every day at bedtime” in some hospitals
3. CIt can be misread as QID or QOD, so the drug is given too often or too rarely
4. DIt is only allowed for intravenous medicines

Why are patients on long-term corticosteroids at higher risk from infections?

1. ASteroids suppress the immune response and can hide signs of infection
2. BSteroids make the patient’s blood more acidic, which helps bacteria grow
3. CSteroids kill the patient’s normal skin bacteria
4. DSteroids only affect the risk of fungal skin rashes

A unit keeps vials of concentrated potassium chloride in the ward stock cupboard. Why do many safety guidelines advise against this?

1. AUndiluted concentrate given by mistake can stop the heart
2. BPotassium chloride vials expire within a day of opening
3. CPotassium chloride must always be given by mouth
4. DPotassium chloride is too expensive to keep as general ward stock

A patient asks for a pain tablet. The record shows none has been given, but the patient says, “The other nurse gave me one earlier.” What should the nurse do?

1. ACheck with the other nurse and the records before giving another dose
2. BTell the patient they must be confused
3. CGive half a tablet now, to be safe, and the other half later if needed
4. DGive the tablet, because the record shows none was given