Infection control & patient safety worksheet with answers

How long should an alcohol-based hand rub be rubbed into the hands?

1. AOnly until the rub has covered the palms
2. BAt least 5 minutes
3. CAbout 20–30 seconds, until the hands are dry
4. DAbout 2–3 seconds

After washing hands at a sink with hand-operated taps, how should the nurse turn off the water?

1. AWith a clean, dry paper towel
2. BThe tap is left running for the next person
3. CWith the freshly washed hands
4. DWith the bare forearm before drying

An adult’s platelet count is 40,000/mm³ (40 × 10⁹/L). What does this mean?

1. AThrombocytopenia with a raised risk of bleeding
2. BA low count that only matters during surgery
3. CA normal platelet count for an adult
4. DA raised platelet count with a risk of clots

A nurse receives a verbal order by telephone. What is the safest practice?

1. AAsk a colleague to listen in and remember it as well
2. BCarry it out without recording it
3. CRemember it and write it down at the end of the shift
4. DWrite it down and read it back to the prescriber

A family member tells the nurse, “My father is not himself. Something is wrong.” The hospital has a family-activated rapid response system. What is correct?

1. AOnly doctors may call the rapid response team
2. BThe family should call emergency services from outside the hospital
3. CThe family can call the rapid response team if they are worried and staff have not responded
4. DThe family must wait for the next scheduled ward round to raise the concern with a doctor

Why are patients on long-term corticosteroids at higher risk from infections?

1. ASteroids make the patient’s blood more acidic, which helps bacteria grow
2. BSteroids only affect the risk of fungal skin rashes
3. CSteroids kill the patient’s normal skin bacteria
4. DSteroids suppress the immune response and can hide signs of infection

A nurse teaches a patient with active pulmonary tuberculosis who is going home on treatment. Which statement shows a need for further teaching?

1. A“I will come back for sputum tests as planned.”
2. B“I can stop taking the pills once I feel better.”
3. C“I will cover my mouth with a tissue when I cough.”
4. D“I will need to take my medicines for several months.”

A responsive 6-month-old infant is choking and cannot cry or cough. What should the rescuer do?

1. ATurn the infant upside down and shake gently
2. BGive abdominal thrusts as for an adult
3. CGive back blows and chest thrusts in turn
4. DDo a blind finger sweep of the mouth