Infection control & patient safety worksheet with answers

Why is a Gram stain often done on a specimen before the culture result is ready?

1. AIt confirms whether the patient has a virus and which virus it is
2. BIt measures the number of white cells in the blood
3. CIt quickly sorts bacteria into groups that help choose early treatment
4. DIt shows exactly which antibiotic will work

A chemical splashes into a nurse’s eye. How long should the eye be flushed with water at an eyewash station?

1. AFor at least 15 minutes
2. BOnly until the stinging stops
3. CFor about 30 seconds
4. DFor about 2 minutes

In the chain of infection, which link is broken when a patient covers the mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing?

1. AThe susceptible host
2. BThe reservoir
3. CThe portal of exit
4. DThe infectious agent

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. BDecline, and give only medications that the nurse prepared or checked personally
3. CGive it, and document that the colleague prepared it
4. DGive it, as long as the syringe has a label with the drug name on it

A peripheral IV site is red, warm and tender along the vein. What should the nurse do?

1. AApply a warm pack and keep using the same site
2. BRemove the catheter and insert a new one at another site if still needed
3. CFlush the catheter harder to clear the vein and keep using the same site
4. DIncrease the infusion rate to finish the bag sooner

Which IV fluid can be given with packed red blood cells in the same line?

1. A0.9% sodium chloride
2. BLactated Ringer’s (Hartmann’s) solution
3. C5% dextrose in 0.45% sodium chloride
4. D5% dextrose in water

A competent adult patient with pneumonia wants to leave the hospital against medical advice. What should the nurse do?

1. AHide the patient’s clothes and belongings so that they cannot leave the ward
2. BApply wrist restraints until the provider arrives to speak with the patient
3. CLock the doors so the patient cannot leave
4. DExplain the risks, notify the provider and follow the policy for leaving against advice

A nurse notices that the pharmacy has sent the wrong dose and corrects it before giving it. Should the event be reported?

1. ANo, because the patient was not harmed
2. BYes, near misses are reported so system weaknesses can be fixed
3. CNo, because reporting near misses only blames the pharmacy staff for nothing
4. DOnly if the same error happens three times