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

When is eye protection part of standard precautions?

  1. AWhen splashes or sprays of blood or body fluids are likely
  2. BOnly when caring for a patient who has an eye infection such as conjunctivitis
  3. COnly when the patient is on airborne precautions
  4. DOnly in the operating room
2.Easy

What is terminal cleaning?

  1. ACleaning computer terminals at the nurses’ station
  2. BA full clean and disinfection of a room after the patient leaves
  3. CCleaning the hands at the end of a shift before going home
  4. DCleaning a room only once a week, whatever happens on the ward
3.Easy

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

  1. AVector-borne transmission
  2. BDroplet transmission
  3. CDirect contact transmission
  4. DAirborne transmission
4.Medium

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. CWarm patients do not need antibiotic prophylaxis
  4. DCold makes bacteria grow faster in the operating room air and on the drapes
5.Medium

Which cleaning product is recommended for the room of a patient with Clostridioides difficile?

  1. AA sporicidal agent, such as a chlorine-based solution
  2. BPlain water and a clean microfiber cloth
  3. CA scented air freshener spray
  4. DAlcohol-based wipes, used on every surface twice a day
6.Medium

A patient on a diuretic is at high risk of falls and often gets up at night. Which measure is most helpful?

  1. AKeeping the room completely dark at night to help the patient sleep
  2. BScheduled toileting, with the call light and walking aid in reach
  3. CTelling the patient not to drink anything after lunch
  4. DGiving the diuretic at bedtime so it works overnight
7.Hard

According to the “Swiss cheese” model of error, why do errors reach patients?

  1. AOne careless person makes a mistake that no system could stop
  2. BTechnology fails more often than people do
  3. CWeaknesses in several layers of defense line up at the same time
  4. DPatients often do not follow their care instructions
8.Hard

Victims of a chemical spill arrive at the emergency department with liquid on their skin and clothing. What is the priority before they enter the building?

  1. ATake a full history in the waiting room
  2. BGive them hospital gowns and seat them in triage
  3. CTake them straight into the resuscitation room so treatment is not delayed
  4. DDecontaminate them outside, with staff wearing appropriate PPE

Answer key

  1. 1. A · When splashes or sprays of blood or body fluids are likely
  2. 2. B · A full clean and disinfection of a room after the patient leaves
  3. 3. A · Vector-borne transmission
  4. 4. A · Low body temperature reduces blood flow and immune function in the wound
  5. 5. A · A sporicidal agent, such as a chlorine-based solution
  6. 6. B · Scheduled toileting, with the call light and walking aid in reach
  7. 7. C · Weaknesses in several layers of defense line up at the same time
  8. 8. D · Decontaminate them outside, with staff wearing appropriate PPE

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