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.

For teachers: free to print, copy and use in class. Every new worksheet has new values and its own answer key. A link to ExamProblems on your course page is appreciated.

Name: ____________________   Date: ____________

1.Easy

In the fire extinguisher acronym PASS, what does the A stand for?

  1. AAlert the fire department
  2. BAim at the base of the fire
  3. CActivate the fire alarm
  4. DAssess the size of the room
2.Easy

What is a superinfection?

  1. AAn infection that no antibiotic can treat
  2. BAn infection that spreads to more than one organ at the same time
  3. CA new infection that grows when antibiotics upset the normal flora
  4. DAn infection of a surgical wound that has opened
3.Easy

How should a nurse dispose of a used glass ampoule after drawing up a drug?

  1. AIn the glass recycling bin
  2. BIn a clinical waste bag
  3. CIn a sharps container
  4. DIn the general waste bin, wrapped in paper
4.Medium

Which practice with medication vials and syringes is safe?

  1. ALeaving a needle in the vial’s stopper for later use
  2. BReusing a syringe if a new needle is attached
  3. CUsing a new sterile needle and syringe every time a vial is entered
  4. DUsing the same syringe for two patients if it is flushed
5.Medium

A nurse gives part of a dose of an opioid from a vial and must discard the rest. What is correct?

  1. AKeep the rest for the patient’s next dose
  2. BReturn the rest to the patient’s medication drawer
  3. CDiscard it in front of a second licensed (registered) nurse, who witnesses and documents it
  4. DDiscard it alone in the sink and document the amount wasted later in the shift
6.Medium

Why must visible dirt be removed from equipment before it is disinfected?

  1. AOrganic matter can shield organisms and weaken the disinfectant
  2. BDisinfectants only work on wet surfaces
  3. CDirt makes the disinfectant react and work too strongly on the surface
  4. DCleaning first is only needed for metal items
7.Hard

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

A nurse teaches a patient about care of a surgical incision at home. Which statement shows a need for further teaching?

  1. A“I will call the clinic if I get a fever or more pain around the wound.”
  2. B“I will wash my hands with soap before I touch or change the dressing.”
  3. C“I will keep the dressing clean and dry as I was shown.”
  4. D“If the wound gets red and drains pus, I will wait for my appointment next month.”

Answer key

  1. 1. B · Aim at the base of the fire
  2. 2. C · A new infection that grows when antibiotics upset the normal flora
  3. 3. C · In a sharps container
  4. 4. C · Using a new sterile needle and syringe every time a vial is entered
  5. 5. C · Discard it in front of a second licensed (registered) nurse, who witnesses and documents it
  6. 6. A · Organic matter can shield organisms and weaken the disinfectant
  7. 7. D · “I can stop taking the pills once I feel better.”
  8. 8. D · “If the wound gets red and drains pus, I will wait for my appointment next month.”

Full step-by-step solutions: practise this topic on examproblems.com.