Infection control & patient safety worksheet with answers

Where must sterile items be held to stay sterile?

1. AAbove waist level and in front of the nurse
2. BBehind the back
3. CBelow the waist
4. DAny level, as long as nothing non-sterile touches it

Where should medicines be stored in a home with young children?

1. AIn their original containers in a locked or high cabinet
2. BIn unlabeled containers or pill boxes so they are easy to carry around
3. CIn a handbag that is left on the floor or a chair
4. DOn the kitchen counter so doses are not forgotten

In the chain of infection, which link is broken when a patient covers the mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing?

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

A patient has a weak left leg. Which instruction about using a cane is correct?

1. AMove the cane and the right leg forward together
2. BHold the cane in the right hand, on the stronger side
3. CHold the cane in the left hand, on the weaker side
4. DKeep the cane well out to the side, away from the body

When should droplet precautions for a patient with Neisseria meningitidis usually be stopped?

1. AOnly after the patient is discharged
2. BAfter 24 hours of effective antibiotic treatment
3. CAfter the fever has been gone for one hour
4. DAs soon as the first dose of antibiotic has been given

Which practice reduces back strain when a nurse moves a patient or heavy object?

1. AHold the load at arm’s length to keep it steady
2. BBend at the waist and keep both knees straight
3. CStand with the feet close together for balance
4. DKeep the load close to the body and avoid twisting

A patient’s WBC is 4,000/mm³, with 30% neutrophils and 5% bands. What is the absolute neutrophil count (ANC)?

1. A1,200/mm³
2. B3,500/mm³
3. C140/mm³
4. D1,400/mm³

A patient on an anticoagulant falls and hits their head but says they feel fine. What should the nurse do?

1. AWait until the next day to see if a headache develops
2. BNotify the provider and start neurological observations, because a brain bleed may develop
3. CGive the next anticoagulant dose early to prevent clots from forming after the fall
4. DHelp the patient back to bed and do nothing more if they feel fine