Infection control & patient safety worksheet with answers

What is a “near miss”?

1. AAn error that was caught before it reached the patient
2. BA complaint made by a patient or relative
3. CA correct action that was delayed for a short time
4. DAn error that reached the patient and caused serious harm

After washing hands at a sink with hand-operated taps, how should the nurse turn off the water?

1. AWith a clean, dry paper towel
2. BThe tap is left running for the next person
3. CWith the bare forearm before drying
4. DWith the freshly washed hands

Which item belongs in a sharps container?

1. AA soiled gauze dressing
2. BA pair of used gloves
3. CAn empty IV bag with the tubing removed
4. DA used scalpel blade

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 water
4. D5% dextrose in 0.45% sodium chloride

Before helping a patient from bed into a wheelchair, what should the nurse do with the wheelchair?

1. ALock the brakes and place it close to the bed on the patient’s stronger side
2. BLeave the brakes off so the chair can move along with the patient during the pivot
3. CPlace it at the foot of the bed, facing away
4. DPlace it on the patient’s weaker side so that side is supported

The laboratory calls with a critical lab result by phone. What should the nurse do?

1. AWrite it down, read it back to confirm and report it to the provider promptly
2. BTell the patient the result first and then call the provider
3. CWait for the printed report to arrive before telling the provider about it
4. DRemember the value and enter it in the chart at the end of the shift

During flu season, a nurse wakes up with fever, cough and muscle aches. What is the best action?

1. AGo to work but avoid caring for patients who have weak immune systems
2. BStay home and inform the employer according to the illness policy
3. CGo to work but wear a surgical mask for the whole shift
4. DTake an antipyretic so the fever does not show at work

Several patients on a ward develop vomiting and diarrhea within two days, and a norovirus outbreak is suspected. What should the nurse do first?

1. AMove the affected patients to different wards so that fewer people are exposed
2. BNotify the infection prevention team and place affected patients on contact precautions
3. CWait for all the stool results to come back before taking any action
4. DAsk visitors to bring in bottled water for all patients