Infection control & patient safety worksheet with answers

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

1. AUntil it is opened, torn, wet or otherwise damaged
2. BFor exactly seven days after it was packed
3. CUntil the end of the shift on which it was opened
4. DForever, even if the outer wrapper gets wet

What does sterilization achieve that disinfection does not?

1. AIt destroys all microorganisms, including bacterial spores
2. BIt stops organisms from growing for one day only
3. CIt kills viruses but leaves all bacteria alive
4. DIt removes visible dirt and organic matter from surfaces

What is the purpose of the “time-out” just before a surgical procedure?

1. ATo count the instruments and swabs after the operation
2. BTo confirm the patient, procedure and site with the whole team
3. CTo give the surgical team a short rest before they start operating
4. DTo have the patient sign the consent form

A patient with poorly controlled seizures asks about activities at home. Which advice is most important?

1. ANever swim or bathe alone
2. BSleep sitting up in a chair
3. CAvoid drinking water before bed
4. DAvoid all forms of exercise

When putting on sterile gloves, how does the nurse put on the second glove?

1. AHold the inside of the second glove with the gloved hand
2. BSlide the gloved fingers under the second glove’s cuff and pull it on
3. CPull the second glove on by its fingertips, using the bare hand
4. DUse the bare hand to adjust the outside of the first glove

How should the urethral meatus be cared for in a patient with an indwelling urinary catheter?

1. AWith routine hygiene, using soap and water during daily washing
2. BBy sliding the catheter in and out a little to clean it
3. CWith daily bladder irrigation using an antibiotic solution through the catheter
4. DWith antiseptic cream applied to the meatus every shift

A patient is on contact precautions. Which task is appropriate for the nurse to delegate to assistive personnel?

1. AHelping the patient bathe while wearing a gown and gloves
2. BAssessing the wound for new signs of infection during the bath
3. CTeaching the family how to follow the precautions
4. DDeciding when the precautions can be stopped

A nurse working with a patient on contact precautions realizes the gown has a tear at the sleeve. What should the nurse do?

1. ACover the tear with a strip of tape and carry on
2. BContinue working, since the tear is small and only on the sleeve
3. CPut a second gown on top of the torn one
4. DMove away from the patient, remove the PPE safely at the doorway, clean hands and re-gown