Infection control & patient safety worksheet with answers

A nurse notices a frayed electrical cord on an infusion pump. What should the nurse do?

1. ATake the pump out of use, label it as faulty and report it
2. BWrap the cord in electrical tape and continue using it
3. CKeep using it carefully until the end of the shift, then report it
4. DAsk the patient not to touch the cord

A nurse cannot get a good seal with an N95 respirator because of a beard. Which device can be used instead?

1. AA standard surgical mask
2. BTwo surgical masks worn together
3. CA powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR)
4. DA washable cloth face mask worn over the beard

In the chain of infection, which link is broken by hand hygiene?

1. AThe mode of transmission
2. BThe portal of exit only
3. CThe susceptible host only
4. DThe infectious agent’s reservoir only

Which IV fluid can be given with packed red blood cells in the same line?

1. ALactated Ringer’s (Hartmann’s) solution
2. B0.9% sodium chloride
3. C5% dextrose in 0.45% sodium chloride
4. D5% dextrose in water

A patient receiving continuous nasogastric feeding has pulled the tube partly out. What should the nurse do first?

1. AIncrease the feed rate to make up for the lost time
2. BStop the feeding until the tube position is checked
3. CTape the tube in its new position and continue
4. DPush the tube back in and restart the feed

A patient is on suicide precautions. Which room safety measure is appropriate?

1. ALet the patient keep a personal razor for shaving, as long as staff are told
2. BRemove items that could be used for self-harm, such as belts and cords
3. CAllow glass bottles if the patient seems calm
4. DKeep the door closed at all times so the patient has privacy

During an oral drug round, a patient asks to take a tablet later. The nurse leaves it on the bedside table. What is the main safety problem?

1. ATablets dissolve quickly when left in the open air
2. BThe tablet may lose its color and become hard to identify later
3. CThe nurse cannot confirm it was taken, and another person could take it
4. DThere is no safety problem if the patient is alert

A patient is admitted with acute diarrhea, and C. difficile is suspected. The test result is pending. When should contact precautions start?

1. AOnly when the test result comes back positive
2. BOnly if the patient develops a fever
3. CAfter three days of diarrhea
4. DStraight away, without waiting for the test result