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

What is a “near miss”?

  1. AA correct action that was delayed for a short time
  2. BA complaint made by a patient or relative
  3. CAn error that reached the patient and caused serious harm
  4. DAn error that was caught before it reached the patient
2.Easy

How can patients take part in infection prevention?

  1. ABy stopping their antibiotics on their own as soon as they feel a little better
  2. BBy sharing equipment with other patients
  3. CBy being encouraged to ask staff whether they have cleaned their hands
  4. DBy cleaning their own IV sites with tap water
3.Easy

An adult’s white blood cell count is 18,000/mm3 (18 × 109/L). How is this best described?

  1. ARaised (leukocytosis)
  2. BLow (leukopenia)
  3. CNormal for an older adult
  4. DWithin the normal range
4.Medium

A nurse has been fit-tested for an N95 respirator. What should the nurse do each time it is put on?

  1. APerform a user seal check
  2. BArrange a new fit test
  3. CMoisten the edges so it seals better
  4. DWear a surgical mask underneath it
5.Medium

When should the transparent dressing over a peripheral IV site be changed?

  1. AWhen it is damp, loose or visibly soiled
  2. BOnly when the IV catheter is removed, whatever its state
  3. CEvery hour, so the site can be cleaned again
  4. DOnly when the patient asks for a new dressing
6.Medium

A patient walking with a gait belt suddenly starts to fall. What should the nurse do?

  1. AHold the belt, widen the stance and ease the patient gently to the floor
  2. BPull the patient backwards quickly toward the bed
  3. CLet go of the belt and run to call for help
  4. DGrab the patient under both arms and try hard to keep them standing up
7.Hard

A nurse has worked three long shifts in a row and feels exhausted. The manager asks the nurse to stay for another shift. What is the most appropriate response?

  1. AExplain that fatigue would make care unsafe and decline the extra shift
  2. BAgree, but skip the independent medication checks to save energy on the shift
  3. CAgree and drink extra coffee to stay alert
  4. DAgree without telling anyone about the fatigue
8.Hard

A woman in late pregnancy is choking and cannot speak or cough. Which technique should the rescuer use?

  1. ABlind finger sweeps
  2. BChest thrusts
  3. CBack blows only
  4. DAbdominal thrusts

Answer key

  1. 1. D · An error that was caught before it reached the patient
  2. 2. C · By being encouraged to ask staff whether they have cleaned their hands
  3. 3. A · Raised (leukocytosis)
  4. 4. A · Perform a user seal check
  5. 5. A · When it is damp, loose or visibly soiled
  6. 6. A · Hold the belt, widen the stance and ease the patient gently to the floor
  7. 7. A · Explain that fatigue would make care unsafe and decline the extra shift
  8. 8. B · Chest thrusts

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