Infection control & patient safety worksheet with answers

A nurse notices a frayed electrical cord on an infusion pump. What should the nurse do?

1. AWrap the cord in electrical tape and continue using it
2. BAsk the patient not to touch the cord
3. CKeep using it carefully until the end of the shift, then report it
4. DTake the pump out of use, label it as faulty and report it

Which infection is mainly spread through blood and is a major risk after a needlestick injury?

1. AHepatitis A
2. BSeasonal influenza
3. CHepatitis B
4. DNorovirus

What does the abbreviation MRSA stand for?

1. AMultiply-resistant Salmonella agent
2. BMultidrug-resistant Streptococcus agalactiae
3. CMethicillin-reactive Staphylococcus albus
4. DMethicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Where is a gait belt placed when helping a patient to walk?

1. AAround both thighs, just above the knees
2. BAround the chest, under the arms
3. CAround the patient’s waist, over clothing
4. DAround the hips, directly on bare skin

During routine handwashing with soap and water (medical asepsis), how are the hands held?

1. AHigher than the elbows, so water runs down the arms
2. BLevel with the shoulders, away from the sink
3. CLower than the elbows, so water runs off the fingertips
4. DTouching the inside of the sink for support

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

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

A visitor is receiving an electric shock from a faulty lamp and is still touching it. What should the nurse do first?

1. APull the visitor away from the lamp by the arm as quickly as possible
2. BStart chest compressions straight away
3. CThrow water over the lamp to stop the current
4. DSwitch off the power or unplug the lamp without touching the person

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