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. CUntil it is opened, torn, wet or otherwise damaged
4. DForever, even if the outer wrapper gets wet

Under US OSHA rules, how often must a health care worker be fit-tested for a tight-fitting respirator such as an N95?

1. AEvery five years, at license renewal
2. BOnly after the worker has an exposure
3. COnce only, when the worker is first hired by the hospital
4. DAt least once a year, and when the model changes

In the chain of infection, which link is broken when a patient covers the mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing?

1. AThe infectious agent
2. BThe portal of exit
3. CThe susceptible host
4. DThe reservoir

Which patient has the highest risk of a burn from a heating pad?

1. AA patient recovering from a cold
2. BA patient with a sprained wrist who is fully alert
3. CA patient with diabetic peripheral neuropathy
4. DA healthy young adult with a strained muscle

A patient has a non-violent restraint. In most nursing policies, how often at minimum is it released for range of motion, toileting and skin care?

1. AAt least every 2 hours
2. BOnly when the patient asks for it
3. COnce every 12-hour shift
4. DOnce a day, during the bath

A patient with a fentanyl skin patch wants to use a heating pad on the area. What should the nurse teach?

1. AHeat only matters if the patch is on the chest
2. BHeat is fine to use, because it helps the patch stick better to the skin
3. CHeat makes the patch last longer, so fewer patches are needed each month
4. DAvoid heat on or near the patch, because it increases how fast the drug is absorbed

A nurse has worked three long shifts in a row and feels exhausted. The manager asks the nurse to stay for another shift. What is the most appropriate response?

1. AExplain that fatigue would make care unsafe and decline the extra shift
2. BAgree and drink extra coffee to stay alert
3. CAgree, but skip the independent medication checks to save energy on the shift
4. DAgree without telling anyone about the fatigue

Which patient should the nurse assess first?

1. AA patient on chemotherapy with a new temperature of 38.4 °C (101.1 °F)
2. BA patient with tuberculosis who is asking to have visitors
3. CA patient with an MRSA wound due for a routine dressing change
4. DA patient who wants more alcohol hand rub in the room