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

Which example shows indirect contact transmission?

  1. ABacteria on a bed rail reach a nurse’s hands and then another patient
  2. BA mosquito bites an infected person and then a healthy one
  3. CA person inhales tiny particles that hang in the air of a room
  4. DLarge droplets from a sneeze land directly on a nearby person’s face
2.Easy

How should the bed be left for a patient at high risk of falls?

  1. AWith the brakes released so it can be moved quickly
  2. BIn the lowest position with the brakes locked
  3. CIn the highest position
  4. DWith all four side rails up at all times
3.Easy

How many times is a medication label usually checked against the order during preparation?

  1. AThree times
  2. BOnce only
  3. CTwice
  4. DFive times
4.Medium

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

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

Two patients infected with the same organism are admitted, and no single room is available. What is an accepted option?

  1. APlacing them in the corridor
  2. BCohorting them in the same room, according to infection control advice
  3. CPlacing each with a patient who has a weakened immune system
  4. DStopping contact precautions
6.Medium

An older adult has trouble getting in and out of the bath. Which measures make bathing safer?

  1. AA loose rug beside the tub to stand on
  2. BA shower chair, grab bars and a non-slip mat
  3. CBath oil to help the person slide in and out
  4. DLocking the bathroom door for privacy
7.Hard

A patient is receiving a high-alert drug by continuous infusion. At handover, which practice is safest?

  1. AThe outgoing nurse says that “the pump is fine” at the desk
  2. BBoth nurses check the pump and bag against the prescription
  3. COnly the rate is checked, not the drug or concentration
  4. DThe incoming nurse checks it at the end of the shift
8.Hard

A flexible bronchoscope contacts mucous membranes but does not enter sterile tissue. Which level of processing is required at a minimum between patients?

  1. AHigh-level disinfection
  2. BCleaning with soap and water only
  3. CWiping with an alcohol wipe
  4. DLow-level disinfection

Answer key

  1. 1. A · Bacteria on a bed rail reach a nurse’s hands and then another patient
  2. 2. B · In the lowest position with the brakes locked
  3. 3. A · Three times
  4. 4. A · To reduce skin bacteria and bloodstream infections linked to central lines
  5. 5. B · Cohorting them in the same room, according to infection control advice
  6. 6. B · A shower chair, grab bars and a non-slip mat
  7. 7. B · Both nurses check the pump and bag against the prescription
  8. 8. A · High-level disinfection

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