Infection control & patient safety worksheet with answers

Which single measure is the most important for preventing the spread of infection in healthcare?

1. APrescribing antibiotics to all patients
2. BKeeping windows closed
3. CWearing a mask at all times
4. DHand hygiene

On a sterile field, which area is considered non-sterile?

1. AThe whole field once it has been opened to the air
2. BThe center of the field
3. COnly the corners
4. DThe outer border of about 2.5 cm (1 inch)

Malaria is passed to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. Which mode of transmission is this?

1. ADirect contact transmission
2. BVector-borne transmission
3. CAirborne transmission
4. DDroplet transmission

When opening a sterile pack on a table, which flap is opened first?

1. AThe flap closest to the nurse
2. BThe flap furthest away from the nurse
3. CWhichever side flap is easiest to reach
4. DAll flaps at once

Which patient has the highest risk of a burn from a heating pad?

1. AA patient recovering from a cold
2. BA healthy young adult with a strained muscle
3. CA patient with a sprained wrist who is fully alert
4. DA patient with diabetic peripheral neuropathy

During routine handwashing with soap and water (medical asepsis), how are the hands held?

1. ATouching the inside of the sink for support
2. BHigher than the elbows, so water runs down the arms
3. CLevel with the shoulders, away from the sink
4. DLower than the elbows, so water runs off the fingertips

A nurse teaches new parents how to cope with an infant’s crying. Which statement shows a need for further teaching?

1. A“If I get frustrated, I will put him safely in the crib and take a short break.”
2. B“I will check whether he is hungry, wet or too warm.”
3. C“If he won’t stop crying, a quick shake will get his attention.”
4. D“I can call a friend or family member to help when I am tired.”

A patient after heart surgery has temporary epicardial pacing wires. Why do staff take special care with electrical safety?

1. APacing wires can only carry current coming from the pacemaker box itself
2. BSmall currents can travel along the wires straight to the heart and cause arrhythmias
3. CElectrical safety only matters for patients who have permanent implanted pacemakers
4. DThe wires make the patient immune to electric shock