Infection control & patient safety worksheet with answers

Which is one of The Joint Commission’s National Patient Safety Goals for hospitals?

1. AReduce the cost of hospital meals and supplies
2. BIncrease the number of daily blood tests
3. CImprove the accuracy of patient identification
4. DShorten visiting hours on every ward

Which pair is acceptable for identifying a patient before giving medication?

1. ARoom number and bed number
2. BDiagnosis and room number
3. CAsking “Are you Mr Smith?”
4. DFull name and date of birth

Where should medicines be stored in a home with young children?

1. AIn unlabeled containers or pill boxes so they are easy to carry around
2. BOn the kitchen counter so doses are not forgotten
3. CIn their original containers in a locked or high cabinet
4. DIn a handbag that is left on the floor or a chair

Two patients with very similar names are on the same unit. What is the best safety measure?

1. ATransfer one of the two patients to another hospital
2. BUse the room numbers to tell the patients apart
3. CCall each patient by their first name only
4. DFlag the similar names and check two identifiers every time

When is a prophylactic antibiotic usually given to prevent a surgical site infection?

1. AWithin about 60 minutes before the incision
2. BOne week before surgery
3. CThe day after surgery, once the wound is closed
4. DOnly if a fever develops after surgery

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

A nurse teaches a patient about home oxygen safety. Which statement shows a need for further teaching?

1. A“I will keep my oxygen away from the stove.”
2. B“I can light candles at dinner if my oxygen is turned down low.”
3. C“I will put a ‘no smoking’ sign on my front door for visitors.”
4. D“I will keep my spare cylinders upright and secured.”

A toddler has bruises of different ages and a burn, and the parent’s explanation does not fit the injuries. What should the nurse do?

1. AWait until there is clear proof of abuse before reporting anything at all
2. BDocument only and say nothing to anyone
3. CConfront the parent and ask them to admit to abuse
4. DReport the concern following child-protection (safeguarding) procedures