Infection control & patient safety worksheet with answers

Under event-related sterility, how long is a sterile package considered sterile?

1. AFor exactly seven days after it was packed
2. BUntil the end of the shift on which it was opened
3. CForever, even if the outer wrapper gets wet
4. DUntil it is opened, torn, wet or otherwise damaged

Why should “U” not be written for “units” on a prescription?

1. AIt can be misread as 0 or 4, causing an overdose
2. BIt is usually read as “micrograms” by pharmacists
3. CIt takes too long to write clearly by hand
4. DPharmacists do not recognize the abbreviation

Which of these counts as a physical restraint?

1. APlacing the bed in its lowest position
2. BRaising all four side rails to stop a patient from getting out of bed
3. CUsing a gait belt while helping a patient walk in the corridor
4. DUsing a bed exit alarm for a patient at high risk of falling at night

Two patients infected with the same organism are admitted, and no single room is available. What is an accepted option?

1. AStopping contact precautions
2. BPlacing them in the corridor
3. CCohorting them in the same room, according to infection control advice
4. DPlacing each with a patient who has a weakened immune system

A family member will visit a patient on contact precautions. What should the nurse do?

1. ATell them precautions only apply to staff
2. BAsk them to wear an N95 respirator only, with no gown or gloves
3. CTell them visits are not allowed at all
4. DShow them how to use the gown and gloves and how to clean their hands

A patient has leftover opioid tablets after surgery. Which advice about disposal is best?

1. AKeep them in an unlocked drawer at home in case of future pain
2. BReturn them to a pharmacy or an approved take-back site
3. CLeave them in the bathroom cabinet indefinitely
4. DGive them to a friend or relative who has back pain

A patient weighs 180 kg and needs to be moved from bed to chair. The standard ceiling lift on the unit has a lower weight limit. What should the nurse do?

1. AHave two staff lift the patient by hand
2. BUse bariatric-rated equipment and enough trained staff
3. CUse the standard lift, because limits include a safety margin
4. DAsk the patient to stand and pivot without help

A patient asks for a pain tablet. The record shows none has been given, but the patient says, “The other nurse gave me one earlier.” What should the nurse do?

1. ATell the patient they must be confused
2. BCheck with the other nurse and the records before giving another dose
3. CGive half a tablet now, to be safe, and the other half later if needed
4. DGive the tablet, because the record shows none was given