Infection control & patient safety worksheet with answers

What does sterilization achieve that disinfection does not?

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

In the United States, what is a “boxed warning” (black box warning) on a drug label?

1. AA label for drugs that are safe in children
2. BA note that the drug must be kept in a locked box on the ward
3. CThe strongest FDA warning, about a serious or life-threatening risk
4. DA sign that the drug is no longer sold

Which precautions are used for a patient with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)?

1. ANo precautions beyond hand hygiene
2. BContact precautions
3. CProtective (reverse) isolation
4. DAirborne precautions

A nurse who wears prescription glasses must irrigate a wound where splashing is likely. Which eye protection is suitable?

1. AThe glasses with a surgical mask
2. BGoggles or a face shield worn over the glasses
3. CNo eye protection, if the nurse stands to one side
4. DThe prescription glasses alone

Why is keeping a patient warm (normothermia) during surgery part of infection prevention?

1. AWarm patients do not need antibiotic prophylaxis
2. BLow body temperature reduces blood flow and immune function in the wound
3. CWarmth sterilizes the surgical site
4. DCold makes bacteria grow faster in the operating room air and on the drapes

Which assessment is most important while a patient is in wrist restraints?

1. AThe patient’s height and weight
2. BThe patient’s hearing in both ears with a watch test
3. CThe patient’s food and drink preferences for the day
4. DCirculation, sensation and skin beyond the restraint

In US nursing practice, which task should the RN not assign to an LPN/LVN?

1. AGiving scheduled oral antibiotics to a stable patient
2. BA dressing change on a healing surgical wound that has no signs of infection
3. CThe initial admission assessment of a new patient with suspected sepsis
4. DReinforcing hand hygiene teaching that the RN has already given

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

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