Infection control & patient safety worksheet with answers

Which signs are typical of a local infection in a wound?

1. APallor, coolness and numbness
2. BDry, flaky skin with mild itching
3. CBluish skin and a weak distal pulse
4. DRedness, warmth, swelling and pain

What does the abbreviation MRSA stand for?

1. AMultidrug-resistant Streptococcus agalactiae
2. BMethicillin-reactive Staphylococcus albus
3. CMultiply-resistant Salmonella agent
4. DMethicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

In a fall risk tool such as the Morse Fall Scale, what does a higher score mean?

1. AA lower risk of pressure injury
2. BA higher risk of falling
3. CA lower risk of falling
4. DBetter mobility

An order uses the abbreviation “MS”. Why is this unsafe?

1. AIt is the abbreviation for milliseconds, not a drug
2. BIt can mean either morphine sulfate or magnesium sulfate
3. CIt means the drug must be given by mouth only
4. DIt is reserved for drugs used in multiple sclerosis

How are neuromuscular blocking drugs, such as vecuronium, safely stored?

1. AMixed in the same bin as other high-use drugs
2. BSeparate from other drugs, with a warning that they cause paralysis
3. CIn the general stock cupboard with the other IV drugs and no special labels
4. DNext to common IV antibiotics so they are easy to find

A nurse wants to set up a sterile field in the morning for a procedure that will take place after lunch. What is correct?

1. ASet it up just before the procedure, because a waiting field may become contaminated
2. BSet it up in the morning and leave it uncovered in an empty room
3. CSet it up in the morning and cover it with a clean towel until the procedure starts
4. DSet it up in the morning and ask a colleague to check it once

A patient receiving chemotherapy has an absolute neutrophil count of 400/mm³ (0.4 × 10⁹/L) and a new temperature of 38.3 °C (100.9 °F). What should the nurse do?

1. AGive an antipyretic and reassess at the next routine round
2. BReport it at once, because fever with severe neutropenia is an emergency
3. CEncourage oral fluids and record the result in the chart
4. DRecheck the temperature in four hours before calling anyone about it

A patient was harmed by a medication error and asks the nurse what happened. Which approach is best?

1. ATell the patient nothing happened to avoid worry
2. BBe honest that an error occurred and involve the provider and team in disclosure per policy
3. CBlame the pharmacy for the error so that the nurse and the ward are not at fault
4. DTell the patient to make a formal complaint to find out