Infection control & patient safety worksheet with answers

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

1. AAn oxidizer, an ignition source and a fuel
2. BHeat, light and sound
3. CWater, electricity and metal instruments
4. DOxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide

During a hospital fire evacuation, where are patients usually moved first?

1. AStraight out of the building, whatever their condition
2. BDownward, using the elevators
3. CUpward, to the roof of the building where helicopters can reach them
4. DHorizontally, through fire doors to a safe area on the same floor

Which type of latex reaction is the most dangerous?

1. AType IV (delayed) hypersensitivity
2. BDry skin from frequent hand washing
3. CType I (immediate) hypersensitivity
4. DIrritant contact dermatitis

How is a urine specimen for culture obtained from an indwelling catheter?

1. ABy removing the catheter and sending its tip for culture
2. BBy disconnecting the catheter from the drainage tubing
3. CFrom the urine already collected in the drainage bag at the bedside
4. DFrom the sampling port, after cleaning it, using aseptic technique

Why is keeping a patient warm (normothermia) during surgery part of infection prevention?

1. ACold makes bacteria grow faster in the operating room air and on the drapes
2. BLow body temperature reduces blood flow and immune function in the wound
3. CWarmth sterilizes the surgical site
4. DWarm patients do not need antibiotic prophylaxis

A patient with diabetes will use lancets and insulin needles at home. Which teaching about disposal is correct?

1. APut them in a puncture-resistant container with a lid and follow local disposal rules
2. BRecap each needle with two hands before putting it in the kitchen trash
3. CFlush the used lancets and needles down the toilet
4. DPut them loose in the household trash bag, as long as the bag is tied shut

A nurse observes a colleague going from one patient to the next without hand hygiene. What is the best action?

1. ASay nothing, to avoid conflict within the team
2. BReport it anonymously to the manager a month later
3. CRemind the colleague politely at once
4. DWait to see whether the colleague does it next time

A nurse notices that a patient’s infusion pump is set to a rate ten times higher than the prescription. The patient seems well. What is the first action?

1. AWait to see whether any side effects develop
2. BAsk the patient whether they feel different, and continue
3. CLeave the rate and document the finding in the notes
4. DStop or correct the infusion, then assess the patient