Infection control & patient safety worksheet with answers

Free printable Infection control & patient safety worksheet: 8 problems from easy to exam level, with an answer key. Print it or save it as a PDF.

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Name: ____________________   Date: ____________

1.Easy

Which symbol must appear on containers of regulated medical waste?

  1. AThe biohazard symbol
  2. BThe radiation trefoil
  3. CThe corrosive symbol
  4. DThe flammable flame symbol
2.Easy

A patient has confirmed seasonal influenza. Which transmission-based precautions are used?

  1. AContact precautions only
  2. BDroplet precautions
  3. CAirborne precautions
  4. DNo precautions beyond hand hygiene
3.Easy

Several people develop Salmonella infection after eating the same undercooked chicken. Which mode of transmission is this?

  1. AAirborne transmission
  2. BVehicle transmission
  3. CVector-borne transmission
  4. DDirect contact transmission
4.Medium

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

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

A parent calls because a toddler has swallowed some household cleaner. The child is awake and breathing normally. What should the nurse advise first?

  1. AContact the local poison advice service now for specific advice
  2. BGive syrup of ipecac from the medicine cabinet
  3. CWait to see whether any symptoms develop over the next day
  4. DMake the child vomit, using a finger at the back of the throat
6.Medium

A patient has a very low platelet count. Which safety measure is appropriate?

  1. AFloss hard each day to keep the gums healthy
  2. BTake rectal temperatures for accuracy
  3. CUse a firm toothbrush and a safety razor
  4. DUse a soft toothbrush and an electric razor
7.Hard

A patient weighs 180 kg and needs to be moved from bed to chair. The standard ceiling lift on the unit has a lower weight limit. What should the nurse do?

  1. AAsk the patient to stand and pivot without help
  2. BHave two staff lift the patient by hand
  3. CUse the standard lift, because limits include a safety margin
  4. DUse bariatric-rated equipment and enough trained staff
8.Hard

Several patients on a ward develop vomiting and diarrhea within two days, and a norovirus outbreak is suspected. What should the nurse do first?

  1. AWait for all the stool results to come back before taking any action
  2. BNotify the infection prevention team and place affected patients on contact precautions
  3. CAsk visitors to bring in bottled water for all patients
  4. DMove the affected patients to different wards so that fewer people are exposed

Answer key

  1. 1. A · The biohazard symbol
  2. 2. B · Droplet precautions
  3. 3. B · Vehicle transmission
  4. 4. A · A patient with diabetic peripheral neuropathy
  5. 5. A · Contact the local poison advice service now for specific advice
  6. 6. D · Use a soft toothbrush and an electric razor
  7. 7. D · Use bariatric-rated equipment and enough trained staff
  8. 8. B · Notify the infection prevention team and place affected patients on contact precautions

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