Infection control & patient safety worksheet with answers

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

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

Why are patients usually kept nil by mouth (NPO) for a period before general anesthesia?

1. ATo prevent the patient from needing the toilet
2. BTo make the patient lose weight before surgery
3. CTo lower the risk of a wound infection
4. DTo reduce the risk of aspirating stomach contents

A child is admitted with chickenpox (varicella). Which precautions are needed?

1. AStandard precautions only
2. BDroplet precautions, with a surgical mask
3. CContact precautions, with gown and gloves
4. DAirborne and contact precautions

Which practice with medication vials and syringes is safe?

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

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

1. ACleaning first is only needed for metal items
2. BOrganic matter can shield organisms and weaken the disinfectant
3. CDirt makes the disinfectant react and work too strongly on the surface
4. DDisinfectants only work on wet surfaces

A nurse receives a verbal order by telephone. What is the safest practice?

1. ARemember it and write it down at the end of the shift
2. BWrite it down and read it back to the prescriber
3. CAsk a colleague to listen in and remember it as well
4. DCarry it out without recording it

A nurse teaches a patient about home oxygen safety. Which statement shows a need for further teaching?

1. A“I will keep my spare cylinders upright and secured.”
2. B“I will keep my oxygen away from the stove.”
3. C“I will put a ‘no smoking’ sign on my front door for visitors.”
4. D“I can light candles at dinner if my oxygen is turned down low.”

A nurse arrives at the scene of a fire in a corridor and the fire is spreading. Patients are in nearby rooms. What should the nurse do after raising the alarm?

1. ATake patients to the ground floor in the nearest elevator
2. BOpen all doors and windows to let the smoke escape
3. CClose doors and move patients in danger horizontally behind fire doors
4. DTry to put out the spreading fire alone with an extinguisher