Infection control & patient safety worksheet with answers

Free printable Infection control & patient safety worksheet: 8 problems from easy to exam level, with an answer key. Print it or save it as a PDF.

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Name: ____________________   Date: ____________

1.Easy

In the fire safety acronym RACE, what does the C stand for?

  1. AContain the fire by closing doors and windows
  2. BCall the family of each patient on the unit
  3. CCool the room by turning on the air conditioning
  4. DClear the corridor of all equipment first
2.Easy

Which precautions are used for a patient with pertussis (whooping cough)?

  1. AContact precautions
  2. BAirborne precautions
  3. CDroplet precautions
  4. DProtective (reverse) isolation
3.Easy

Which symbol must appear on containers of regulated medical waste?

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

Why must an insulin pen never be used for more than one patient, even with a new needle?

  1. ABlood can flow back into the cartridge and spread infection
  2. BSharing a pen changes the dose that is delivered
  3. CEach pen holds only one dose of insulin
  4. DThe insulin in the pen would expire faster once it is shared
5.Medium

Many intensive care units bathe patients daily with chlorhexidine. What is the main purpose?

  1. ATo lower the patient’s body temperature
  2. BTo treat existing wound infections without the need for antibiotics
  3. CTo moisturize dry skin in older patients
  4. DTo reduce skin bacteria and bloodstream infections linked to central lines
6.Medium

During routine handwashing with soap and water (medical asepsis), how are the hands held?

  1. ATouching the inside of the sink for support
  2. BLower than the elbows, so water runs off the fingertips
  3. CLevel with the shoulders, away from the sink
  4. DHigher than the elbows, so water runs down the arms
7.Hard

A patient who speaks little English is being discharged with new medications. The patient’s 12-year-old child offers to interpret. What should the nurse do?

  1. AGive written instructions in English only
  2. BUse a professional medical interpreter
  3. CUse simple English and many hand gestures
  4. DLet the child interpret, because the family prefers it
8.Hard

A 2-year-old living in a house built many decades ago has anemia, irritability and poor appetite. Which cause should the nurse suspect?

  1. ACarbon dioxide from a gas cooker
  2. BA food allergy to cow’s milk proteins
  3. CLead poisoning from old paint dust or chips
  4. DIron overload from eating too much red meat

Answer key

  1. 1. A · Contain the fire by closing doors and windows
  2. 2. C · Droplet precautions
  3. 3. B · The biohazard symbol
  4. 4. A · Blood can flow back into the cartridge and spread infection
  5. 5. D · To reduce skin bacteria and bloodstream infections linked to central lines
  6. 6. B · Lower than the elbows, so water runs off the fingertips
  7. 7. B · Use a professional medical interpreter
  8. 8. C · Lead poisoning from old paint dust or chips

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