Infection control & patient safety worksheet with answers

In the chain of infection, which link is broken by hand hygiene?

1. AThe portal of exit only
2. BThe infectious agent’s reservoir only
3. CThe susceptible host only
4. DThe mode of transmission

How should a healthy infant be placed to sleep to reduce the risk of sudden infant death?

1. AOn the stomach, on a soft mattress with a small pillow for comfort
2. BIn the parents’ bed, between two pillows
3. COn the side, propped up with rolled blankets
4. DOn the back, on a firm flat surface with no soft bedding

What does the abbreviation MRSA stand for?

1. AMethicillin-reactive Staphylococcus albus
2. BMultiply-resistant Salmonella agent
3. CMethicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
4. DMultidrug-resistant Streptococcus agalactiae

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

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

A patient is admitted to an inpatient mental health unit. Why are personal belongings checked?

1. ATo decide which family members may visit
2. BTo remove items that could be used to harm self or others
3. CTo find out what the patient likes to wear during the hospital stay
4. DTo make a list of valuable items for insurance

A colleague has drawn up a medication and asks the nurse to give it to her patient. What should the nurse do?

1. AGive it, because the colleague is experienced
2. BGive it, and document that the colleague prepared it
3. CGive it, as long as the syringe has a label with the drug name on it
4. DDecline, and give only medications that the nurse prepared or checked personally

A nurse teaches a patient about care of a surgical incision at home. Which statement shows a need for further teaching?

1. A“I will call the clinic if I get a fever or more pain around the wound.”
2. B“I will keep the dressing clean and dry as I was shown.”
3. C“If the wound gets red and drains pus, I will wait for my appointment next month.”
4. D“I will wash my hands with soap before I touch or change the dressing.”

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