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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1.Easy

An adult’s platelet count is 40,000/mm3 (40 × 109/L). What does this mean?

  1. AA low count that only matters during surgery
  2. BA normal platelet count for an adult
  3. CThrombocytopenia with a raised risk of bleeding
  4. DA raised platelet count with a risk of clots
2.Easy

A patient is transferred with carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE). Which precautions are used in the hospital?

  1. AA protective environment
  2. BAirborne precautions
  3. CContact precautions
  4. DDroplet precautions
3.Easy

How should waste contaminated with chemotherapy drugs be discarded?

  1. AIn a separate labeled container for hazardous drug waste
  2. BDown the sink with plenty of water
  3. CIn the general household-type trash bin on the ward, tied in a bag
  4. DIn the recycling bin with plastics
4.Medium

A child has swallowed a button battery. Why is this urgent?

  1. AIt is only harmful if several batteries are swallowed
  2. BIt always passes through the gut without harm
  3. CThe only risk is poisoning from heavy metals years later
  4. DIt can burn through the lining of the esophagus within hours
5.Medium

A patient on nasal cannula oxygen has dry lips. Which product should the nurse offer?

  1. AAn oil-based lip balm
  2. BA water-based lip lubricant
  3. CPetroleum jelly
  4. DA scented petroleum ointment
6.Medium

How should a portable oxygen cylinder be kept in a patient’s room?

  1. ASecured upright in a stand or holder
  2. BPlaced next to a heater to keep it warm
  3. CLying loose on the floor beside the bed
  4. DLaid on the bed next to the patient
7.Hard

According to the “Swiss cheese” model of error, why do errors reach patients?

  1. APatients often do not follow their care instructions
  2. BOne careless person makes a mistake that no system could stop
  3. CWeaknesses in several layers of defense line up at the same time
  4. DTechnology fails more often than people do
8.Hard

Which patient should the nurse assess first?

  1. AA patient with tuberculosis who is asking to have visitors
  2. BA patient on chemotherapy with a new temperature of 38.4 °C (101.1 °F)
  3. CA patient who wants more alcohol hand rub in the room
  4. DA patient with an MRSA wound due for a routine dressing change

Answer key

  1. 1. C · Thrombocytopenia with a raised risk of bleeding
  2. 2. C · Contact precautions
  3. 3. A · In a separate labeled container for hazardous drug waste
  4. 4. D · It can burn through the lining of the esophagus within hours
  5. 5. B · A water-based lip lubricant
  6. 6. A · Secured upright in a stand or holder
  7. 7. C · Weaknesses in several layers of defense line up at the same time
  8. 8. B · A patient on chemotherapy with a new temperature of 38.4 °C (101.1 °F)

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