Infection control & patient safety worksheet with answers

A blood test shows a positive hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). What does this mean?

1. AThe person currently has hepatitis B infection
2. BThe person is immune from vaccination
3. CThe person has hepatitis A infection
4. DThe person has never been exposed to hepatitis B

Why should nurses who give direct patient care not wear artificial nails?

1. AThey react with alcohol hand rub and damage the skin of the hands
2. BThey are a problem only in operating rooms
3. CArtificial nails carry more bacteria and are harder to clean
4. DThey make gloves easier to put on and take off

What is the purpose of a dosimeter badge worn by staff who work with radiation?

1. ATo open doors to the radiology department
2. BTo measure how much radiation the wearer has been exposed to
3. CTo show staff which patients are radioactive after treatment
4. DTo protect the wearer from radiation

A patient has highly contagious viral conjunctivitis. Which teaching is most important?

1. AWash hands often and do not share towels, pillows or eye drops
2. BKeep using the same contact lenses to protect the eyes
3. CRub the eyes gently to remove the discharge
4. DWear a surgical mask whenever someone else is in the room

Why should a child’s weight be recorded only in kilograms?

1. AScales that show kilograms are always more accurate than those that show pounds
2. BKilograms are easier for parents to remember
3. CMixing up pounds and kilograms can lead to large dosing errors
4. DChildren weigh less, so smaller units are needed

A nurse has just given an intramuscular injection with a safety needle. What should the nurse do next with the needle?

1. ALay it on the medication tray and discard it later
2. BActivate the safety device and drop it into a sharps container at once
3. CBend the needle to make it unusable, then discard it
4. DRecap it carefully with both hands and dispose of it after the drug round

A nursing student describes how they remove PPE (gown, gloves and a mask worn for splash protection) at the doorway before leaving a contact precautions room. Which statement shows a need for further teaching?

1. A“I roll the gown inward as I take it off.”
2. B“I clean my hands as soon as all the PPE is off.”
3. C“I remove my gloves without touching the outside with my bare hand.”
4. D“I take off my mask first, and then I take off my gloves.”

A patient punches a nurse during care. The nurse is not seriously hurt. What should the nurse do?

1. ASay nothing, because violence is part of the job
2. BGet medical assessment and report the assault according to policy
3. CRefuse to care for any patient for the rest of the week until the patient is moved
4. DPunch the patient back in self-defense