Infection control & patient safety worksheet with answers

Why is a Gram stain often done on a specimen before the culture result is ready?

1. AIt quickly sorts bacteria into groups that help choose early treatment
2. BIt shows exactly which antibiotic will work
3. CIt confirms whether the patient has a virus and which virus it is
4. DIt measures the number of white cells in the blood

For which of these viruses is there no vaccine available?

1. AHepatitis B
2. BMeasles
3. CHepatitis C
4. DHepatitis A

What is a “never event”?

1. AA serious, preventable event that should never happen, such as wrong-site surgery
2. BAn event that has never been reported before
3. CAn event that only happens at night
4. DA rare side effect of a drug that has never been described in the literature before

A woman who is pregnant asks for the MMR vaccine because she is not immune to rubella. What is correct?

1. AMMR is only given to pregnant women who work in hospitals
2. BMMR should be given as soon as possible in the first trimester to protect the baby
3. CMMR is safe at any stage of pregnancy
4. DMMR is a live vaccine and is not given during pregnancy, but can be given after delivery

A cup of water is spilled over an infusion pump plugged into the wall. What should the nurse do?

1. ASwitch it off and unplug it safely, then have it checked before reuse
2. BWipe it dry quickly with a towel and keep using it for the infusion
3. CTurn the pump upside down to drain it while running
4. DLeave it running and place a towel over it until it dries

When should the transparent dressing over a peripheral IV site be changed?

1. AWhen it is damp, loose or visibly soiled
2. BOnly when the patient asks for a new dressing
3. CEvery hour, so the site can be cleaned again
4. DOnly when the IV catheter is removed, whatever its state

A nurse teaches a patient with active pulmonary tuberculosis who is going home on treatment. Which statement shows a need for further teaching?

1. A“I will need to take my medicines for several months.”
2. B“I will cover my mouth with a tissue when I cough.”
3. C“I will come back for sputum tests as planned.”
4. D“I can stop taking the pills once I feel better.”

During a disaster, the hospital needs to free beds quickly. Which patient is the best candidate for early discharge?

1. AA patient on an IV heparin infusion that is still being adjusted
2. BA patient on a ventilator in the intensive care unit who is slowly improving
3. CA patient admitted overnight for observation who is now stable with normal tests
4. DA patient with ongoing chest pain awaiting cardiac tests