Infection control & patient safety worksheet with answers

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

1. AA full hazmat suit
2. BA surgical mask
3. CAn N95 respirator only
4. DSterile gloves

In the chain of infection, a contaminated bedside table where bacteria live and multiply is an example of which link?

1. AThe portal of exit
2. BThe portal of entry
3. CThe reservoir
4. DThe susceptible host

What is the incubation period of an infection?

1. AThe time between entry of the organism and the first symptoms
2. BThe time when the person recovers and symptoms fade
3. CThe time when the specific symptoms are at their worst
4. DThe time from the first vague symptoms to specific symptoms

An infant has had a cleft lip repair. Why are elbow restraints often used?

1. ATo hold the IV line in place during feeds and stop it being pulled out
2. BTo prevent the infant from sucking a pacifier
3. CTo keep the infant from rolling over in the crib
4. DTo stop the infant’s hands reaching the mouth while still allowing arm movement

An alcohol-based skin prep has been used before surgery with electrosurgery. What must happen before the drapes are placed?

1. AThe prep must be covered with the drapes while it is still wet
2. BThe prep must be wiped off with saline
3. CThe prep must be warmed with a hair dryer
4. DThe prep must be fully dry and any pooled liquid removed

A patient with diabetes will use lancets and insulin needles at home. Which teaching about disposal is correct?

1. APut them loose in the household trash bag, as long as the bag is tied shut
2. BPut them in a puncture-resistant container with a lid and follow local disposal rules
3. CRecap each needle with two hands before putting it in the kitchen trash
4. DFlush the used lancets and needles down the toilet

A confused patient in wrist restraints has cool, pale fingers on one hand and a weak radial pulse on that side. What should the nurse do first?

1. ADocument the findings carefully and recheck in two hours
2. BLoosen that restraint and assess the hand’s circulation
3. CTighten the other restraint to stop the patient pulling
4. DRaise the hand on a pillow, leaving the restraint as it is

A nurse picks up a heparin vial that contains 10 000 units/mL; the ward usually stocks 1000 units/mL vials. Why is extra care needed?

1. AUsing the more concentrated vial by mistake would give a tenfold overdose
2. BThe concentrated vial is safer, because less volume is drawn up
3. CBoth vial strengths can be swapped freely
4. DHeparin concentration has no effect on safety