Infection control & patient safety worksheet with answers

Which precautions are needed for a patient with Legionnaires’ disease (Legionella pneumonia)?

1. AStandard precautions
2. BAirborne precautions
3. CContact precautions
4. DDroplet precautions

How long should an alcohol-based hand rub be rubbed into the hands?

1. AAbout 20–30 seconds, until the hands are dry
2. BAbout 2–3 seconds
3. CAt least 5 minutes
4. DOnly until the rub has covered the palms

Why are patients usually kept nil by mouth (NPO) for a period before general anesthesia?

1. ATo lower the risk of a wound infection
2. BTo reduce the risk of aspirating stomach contents
3. CTo prevent the patient from needing the toilet
4. DTo make the patient lose weight before surgery

A patient is admitted to an inpatient mental health unit. Why are personal belongings checked?

1. ATo remove items that could be used to harm self or others
2. BTo decide which family members may visit
3. CTo make a list of valuable items for insurance
4. DTo find out what the patient likes to wear during the hospital stay

A nurse receives a needlestick injury from a patient known to have HIV. Why is it important to report it immediately?

1. AReporting is only needed for injuries from IV needles
2. BReporting is only needed if the wound bleeds or is deep
3. CPost-exposure prophylaxis works best when started within hours
4. DReporting can be done at any time within a month without changing the risk

A patient has received oral radioactive iodine therapy. Which precaution is usually taken?

1. ALimit time close to the patient and handle body fluids per radiation policy
2. BPlace the patient on droplet precautions with a surgical mask
3. CEncourage pregnant visitors to sit close to the patient to give emotional support
4. DLet the patient share a bathroom with other patients

Two look-alike vials of different drugs are stored next to each other, and a nurse almost picks the wrong one. Which response best reflects a just culture?

1. AKeep the incident quiet to protect the unit’s reputation
2. BDiscipline the nurse who nearly picked the wrong vial
3. CTell the nurse to be more careful and do nothing else
4. DReport it and fix the system, for example by separating the vials

During flu season, a nurse wakes up with fever, cough and muscle aches. What is the best action?

1. AStay home and inform the employer according to the illness policy
2. BTake an antipyretic so the fever does not show at work
3. CGo to work but avoid caring for patients who have weak immune systems
4. DGo to work but wear a surgical mask for the whole shift