Infection control & patient safety worksheet with answers

What does ESBL stand for in an ESBL-producing organism?

1. AEnhanced staphylococcal bacterial load
2. BExtended-spectrum beta-lactamase
3. CEnteric serum beta-lymphocyte
4. DExtended-surface biofilm layer

How often should home smoke alarms be tested?

1. AOnly when the battery runs out
2. BOnce a month
3. COnly after a fire
4. DOnce every five years

Which practice makes the use of an ice pack safer?

1. AUse it only on areas where the patient has no feeling, so it is not uncomfortable
2. BKeep the ice pack on the skin while the patient sleeps overnight
3. CPlace a cloth between the pack and the skin and limit the time it is applied
4. DPut the ice pack directly on bare skin for several hours

Why are oral liquid medicines given with oral or enteral syringes rather than standard IV syringes?

1. AIV syringes cannot measure small volumes of oral liquid accurately
2. BThere is no safety reason; it is only tradition
3. COral syringes measure intravenous doses more accurately
4. DOral syringes do not fit IV lines, preventing wrong-route errors

A nurse finds a used needle in a patient’s bed linen. What should the nurse do?

1. AFold it into the linen and send it to the laundry
2. BRecap it with two hands before throwing it away
3. CPick it up by the hub or with forceps, put it in a sharps container and report it
4. DLeave it where it is for the housekeeping staff to remove later in the day

A patient wants to use their own electric hair dryer in the hospital. What is correct?

1. AIt can be used straight away if it looks new
2. BIt can be plugged into an extension lead under the bed
3. CIt is checked for electrical safety according to hospital policy before use
4. DIt can be used in the bathroom near the sink if the patient is careful

A patient with severe immunosuppression after a stem cell transplant is in a protective environment. Which item should not be brought into the room?

1. AA family photo in a frame that has been wiped clean
2. BFresh flowers or potted plants
3. CA clean, disinfected tablet computer
4. DThe patient’s own clean clothes

A patient in a vest restraint has slid down in bed, and the vest is pressing against the neck. What should the nurse do first?

1. ARelease the restraint at once and reposition the patient
2. BCall the provider to ask about a different restraint
3. CTighten the vest so the patient cannot slide down again
4. DWrite a note about the event in the chart