Infection control & patient safety worksheet with answers

How should a labeled specimen be sent to the laboratory?

1. AIn a sealed biohazard bag, with the request form in the separate pocket
2. BIn an open cup placed on the transport trolley
3. CIn the same bag as the request form, touching the paper
4. DLoose in the nurse’s uniform pocket so that it does not get lost on the way

According to the ISMP (US) list of error-prone abbreviations, how should the route “subcutaneous” be written in a medication order?

1. AAs “SQ”
2. BAs “sub-Q” with a plus sign
3. CAs “SC”
4. DAs “subcut” or “subcutaneously”

Where can a nurse find the hazards, safe handling and first-aid steps for a cleaning chemical used on the unit?

1. AIn the patient’s nursing care plan
2. BIn the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for that product
3. CIn the medication administration record for the patient in that room
4. DIn the incident report form

A patient with suspected tuberculosis is in a negative-pressure room. Which practice is correct?

1. AKeep the door open so staff can see the patient at all times
2. BLet visitors enter without any protection
3. CTurn off the room ventilation at night
4. DKeep the door closed except when entering or leaving

Why is keeping a patient warm (normothermia) during surgery part of infection prevention?

1. ALow body temperature reduces blood flow and immune function in the wound
2. BWarmth sterilizes the surgical site
3. CCold makes bacteria grow faster in the operating room air and on the drapes
4. DWarm patients do not need antibiotic prophylaxis

Before accessing a central venous catheter hub, what should the nurse do?

1. ANothing, because the hub is protected under a sterile cap
2. BBlow on the hub gently to remove dust
3. CScrub the hub with an antiseptic and let it dry
4. DWipe it quickly with a dry sterile gauze

In START triage, a casualty cannot walk and is breathing 36 times a minute. Which category applies?

1. AYellow (delayed)
2. BBlack (expectant or dead)
3. CGreen (minor)
4. DRed (immediate)

A patient takes medicines prescribed by several providers. Which advice best reduces the risk of medication errors at home?

1. AKeep one up-to-date list of all medicines and use one pharmacy where possible
2. BStop taking any medicine that seems to repeat another one, without asking anyone
3. COnly tell each provider about the drugs they prescribed
4. DKeep each provider’s medicines in separate bags