Infection control & patient safety worksheet with answers

In the chain of infection, which link does vaccination break?

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

Which three elements make up the fire triangle in the operating room?

1. AAn oxidizer, an ignition source and a fuel
2. BHeat, light and sound
3. COxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide
4. DWater, electricity and metal instruments

Several people develop Salmonella infection after eating the same undercooked chicken. Which mode of transmission is this?

1. ADirect contact transmission
2. BAirborne transmission
3. CVector-borne transmission
4. DVehicle transmission

A nurse has just given an intramuscular injection with a safety needle. What should the nurse do next with the needle?

1. ARecap it carefully with both hands and dispose of it after the drug round
2. BActivate the safety device and drop it into a sharps container at once
3. CLay it on the medication tray and discard it later
4. DBend the needle to make it unusable, then discard it

A patient with a severe latex allergy is booked for surgery. Which measure is commonly used?

1. AWrap latex items in plastic before use
2. BUse latex-free supplies and schedule the patient as the first case of the day
3. CGive the patient antihistamines before surgery and then use the normal supplies
4. DUse latex gloves only for short procedures

A nurse gives part of a dose of an opioid from a vial and must discard the rest. What is correct?

1. ADiscard it alone in the sink and document the amount wasted later in the shift
2. BReturn the rest to the patient’s medication drawer
3. CDiscard it in front of a second licensed (registered) nurse, who witnesses and documents it
4. DKeep the rest for the patient’s next dose

In a US hospital (CMS rules), a patient keeps pulling at an endotracheal tube, and alternatives have failed. The nurse applies wrist restraints in an emergency. What must happen next?

1. AAsk the provider for a PRN restraint order to use as needed
2. BObtain a time-limited order for the restraint promptly, following policy
3. CKeep the restraints on without an order until the patient is calm
4. DAsk the family to sign a consent form instead of an order

A patient punches a nurse during care. The nurse is not seriously hurt. What should the nurse do?

1. ASay nothing, because violence is part of the job
2. BRefuse to care for any patient for the rest of the week until the patient is moved
3. CGet medical assessment and report the assault according to policy
4. DPunch the patient back in self-defense