Infection control & patient safety worksheet with answers

Which device warns staff when a patient at high risk of falls starts to get up?

1. AA bed or chair exit alarm
2. BAn infusion pump occlusion alarm
3. CA cardiac monitor
4. DA pulse oximeter

Which three elements make up the fire triangle in the operating room?

1. AHeat, light and sound
2. BAn oxidizer, an ignition source and a fuel
3. COxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide
4. DWater, electricity and metal instruments

A patient has measles. Which transmission-based precautions are needed?

1. AAirborne precautions
2. BStandard precautions only
3. CContact precautions only
4. DDroplet precautions only

Why can side rails be dangerous for a confused, restless patient?

1. ASide rails stop staff from reaching the patient in an emergency
2. BSide rails always cause pressure injuries
3. CSide rails make the bed move by itself
4. DThe patient may climb over them or get trapped in gaps

A patient has severe neutropenia after chemotherapy. Which route for measuring temperature should be avoided?

1. ATympanic
2. BTemporal artery
3. CRectal
4. DOral

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

1. AOnly when the IV catheter is removed, whatever its state
2. BEvery hour, so the site can be cleaned again
3. COnly when the patient asks for a new dressing
4. DWhen it is damp, loose or visibly soiled

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

A patient in the emergency waiting room has a cough for six weeks, night sweats, weight loss and blood in the sputum. What should the nurse do first?

1. AAsk the patient to wait in the waiting room until called
2. BPlace the patient in a shared cubicle with the curtain closed
3. CMask the patient and move them to an airborne isolation room
4. DStart contact precautions with a gown and gloves for staff