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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Name: ____________________   Date: ____________

1.Easy

Which precautions are needed for a patient with scabies?

  1. ADroplet precautions
  2. BNo special precautions
  3. CAirborne precautions
  4. DContact precautions
2.Easy

What is the main difference between an N95 respirator and a surgical mask?

  1. AA surgical mask filters smaller particles than an N95
  2. BAn N95 is only worn by patients, and surgical masks only by staff
  3. CAn N95 filters small airborne particles, while a surgical mask mainly blocks droplets
  4. DThere is no real difference, so they can be swapped freely for any type of precautions
3.Easy

Which device warns staff when a patient at high risk of falls starts to get up?

  1. AAn infusion pump occlusion alarm
  2. BA pulse oximeter
  3. CA bed or chair exit alarm
  4. DA cardiac monitor
4.Medium

A family member will visit a patient on contact precautions. What should the nurse do?

  1. ATell them precautions only apply to staff
  2. BTell them visits are not allowed at all
  3. CAsk them to wear an N95 respirator only, with no gown or gloves
  4. DShow them how to use the gown and gloves and how to clean their hands
5.Medium

A new antibiotic is prescribed for a patient. What should the nurse check before giving the first dose?

  1. AThe patient’s preferred pharmacy
  2. BThe patient’s allergies, by checking the record and asking the patient
  3. COnly the time of the patient’s last meal and drink
  4. DOnly the patient’s blood pressure and pulse before giving the drug
6.Medium

Which technique is correct when collecting a wound culture?

  1. AClean the wound with sterile saline first, then swab clean tissue
  2. BSwab the old pus on the dressing that was just removed from the wound
  3. CUse one swab to sample two different wounds
  4. DCollect the sample only after antibiotics have been started
7.Hard

A patient refuses to wear an identification wristband. What should the nurse do?

  1. AStop giving the patient any care until they agree to wear the band
  2. BAccept the refusal and identify the patient by room number and bed space instead
  3. CForce the band onto the patient’s wrist
  4. DExplain why it is needed, use other ID methods per policy and document
8.Hard

Which patient with a suspected infection meets at least two SIRS criteria?

  1. ATemperature 36.8 °C and respiratory rate 18/min
  2. BRespiratory rate 16/min and WBC 8,000/mm3
  3. CTemperature 38.6 °C and heart rate 112/min
  4. DTemperature 37.2 °C and heart rate 80/min

Answer key

  1. 1. D · Contact precautions
  2. 2. C · An N95 filters small airborne particles, while a surgical mask mainly blocks droplets
  3. 3. C · A bed or chair exit alarm
  4. 4. D · Show them how to use the gown and gloves and how to clean their hands
  5. 5. B · The patient’s allergies, by checking the record and asking the patient
  6. 6. A · Clean the wound with sterile saline first, then swab clean tissue
  7. 7. D · Explain why it is needed, use other ID methods per policy and document
  8. 8. C · Temperature 38.6 °C and heart rate 112/min

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