Infection control & patient safety worksheet with answers

Which example shows indirect contact transmission?

1. ALarge droplets from a sneeze land directly on a nearby person’s face
2. BA person inhales tiny particles that hang in the air of a room
3. CBacteria on a bed rail reach a nurse’s hands and then another patient
4. DA mosquito bites an infected person and then a healthy one

On a sterile field, which area is considered non-sterile?

1. AThe outer border of about 2.5 cm (1 inch)
2. BThe whole field once it has been opened to the air
3. COnly the corners
4. DThe center of the field

What is seclusion?

1. AClosing the curtains during personal care
2. BPlacing a patient on contact precautions in a single room with the door closed
3. CKeeping a patient alone in a room or area that they are prevented from leaving
4. DMoving a patient to a private room at their request

Why can side rails be dangerous for a confused, restless patient?

1. ASide rails stop staff from reaching the patient in an emergency
2. BThe patient may climb over them or get trapped in gaps
3. CSide rails make the bed move by itself
4. DSide rails always cause pressure injuries

When should the transparent dressing over a peripheral IV site be changed?

1. AOnly when the IV catheter is removed, whatever its state
2. BOnly when the patient asks for a new dressing
3. CWhen it is damp, loose or visibly soiled
4. DEvery hour, so the site can be cleaned again

A patient with poorly controlled seizures asks about activities at home. Which advice is most important?

1. ANever swim or bathe alone
2. BSleep sitting up in a chair
3. CAvoid all forms of exercise
4. DAvoid drinking water before bed

Which position is especially dangerous for a patient in physical restraints?

1. ALying on the side
2. BLying on the back with the head raised
3. CSitting upright in bed
4. DLying face down (prone)

A patient with a sealed radioactive implant reports that the implant has fallen out onto the bed. What should the nurse do?

1. AAsk the patient to hold it until help arrives
2. BPick it up with gloved hands and put it in the clinical waste
3. CUse long-handled forceps to place it in the lead container
4. DLeave it on the bed until the radiation team arrives tomorrow