Infection control & patient safety worksheet with answers

How should a healthy infant be placed to sleep to reduce the risk of sudden infant death?

1. AIn the parents’ bed, between two pillows
2. BOn the back, on a firm flat surface with no soft bedding
3. COn the side, propped up with rolled blankets
4. DOn the stomach, on a soft mattress with a small pillow for comfort

A nurse notices that a medication is past its expiry date. What should the nurse do?

1. AGive a double dose to make up for lost strength
2. BNot give it, and return it according to policy
3. CGive it, if it is less than one month expired
4. DGive it, because medicines work for years after expiry

Why is the symbol “µg” avoided in medication orders?

1. AIt is the symbol for micrograms of alcohol and is only used in laboratory reports
2. BIt can only be used for intravenous drugs
3. CIt can be misread as “mg”, giving a dose a thousand times too high
4. DIt means “units per gram” in some countries

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

1. ALying loose on the floor beside the bed
2. BLaid on the bed next to the patient
3. CPlaced next to a heater to keep it warm
4. DSecured upright in a stand or holder

When is a prophylactic antibiotic usually given to prevent a surgical site infection?

1. AWithin about 60 minutes before the incision
2. BOne week before surgery
3. CThe day after surgery, once the wound is closed
4. DOnly if a fever develops after surgery

A patient is booked for an MRI scan. What must the nurse check beforehand?

1. AWhether the patient’s blood glucose has been in the normal range today
2. BWhether the patient has any metal implants or devices, such as a pacemaker
3. CWhether the patient has had a hearing test this year
4. DWhether the patient has eaten a large meal recently

A patient is receiving a high-alert drug by continuous infusion. At handover, which practice is safest?

1. AOnly the rate is checked, not the drug or concentration
2. BThe outgoing nurse says that “the pump is fine” at the desk
3. CThe incoming nurse checks it at the end of the shift
4. DBoth nurses check the pump and bag against the prescription

A patient with a common cold asks for antibiotics “to be on the safe side”. Which response is best?

1. ATell the patient that antibiotics will shorten the cold by several days
2. BAsk the provider to prescribe antibiotics anyway so that the patient is reassured
3. CExplain that antibiotics do not work on viruses and overuse breeds resistant bacteria
4. DSuggest using leftover antibiotics from a previous illness