Infection control & patient safety worksheet with answers

Which basic fall-prevention measure applies to every patient?

1. AKeep the room dark at all times so the patient rests
2. BUse wrist restraints at night for every patient
3. CRaise all four side rails whenever the patient is in bed
4. DKeep the call light (call bell) and personal items within easy reach

Which symbol must appear on containers of regulated medical waste?

1. AThe flammable flame symbol
2. BThe radiation trefoil
3. CThe biohazard symbol
4. DThe corrosive symbol

What do staff usually wear when entering the room of a patient on droplet precautions?

1. AA full hazmat suit
2. BA surgical mask
3. CSterile gloves
4. DAn N95 respirator only

Where should the dispersive (grounding) pad for electrosurgery be placed?

1. AOn clean, dry skin over a well-perfused muscle, close to the surgical site
2. BOver a bony prominence such as the hip bone
3. COn skin that is wet with antiseptic prep
4. DOver an area with scar tissue or a tattoo, so that the pad does not slip

How does a nurse add a sterile gauze pack to a sterile field that is already set up?

1. AOpen the wrapper away from the field and drop the item on it without reaching over
2. BPlace the whole wrapped pack on the field and open it there with sterile gloves
3. CTip the item onto the field and push it into place with the wrapper
4. DReach across the field with clean gloves to place the item

Why does a nurse wear chemotherapy-tested gloves and a gown when emptying the urinal of a patient who recently had chemotherapy?

1. AThe body fluids can contain active drug for a time after treatment
2. BThe patient is on airborne precautions after treatment
3. CThe urine always contains infectious bacteria after chemotherapy
4. DChemotherapy makes the urine strongly acidic and corrosive

A patient with severe dementia gets out of bed alone at night and has fallen twice. Which plan is most appropriate?

1. AA sedative every night to keep the patient in bed
2. BFour raised side rails, with the door closed at night for quiet
3. CTying the patient into the chair overnight
4. DLow bed, bed alarm, toileting rounds, night light and nonslip socks

According to the “Swiss cheese” model of error, why do errors reach patients?

1. AWeaknesses in several layers of defense line up at the same time
2. BOne careless person makes a mistake that no system could stop
3. CTechnology fails more often than people do
4. DPatients often do not follow their care instructions