Infection control & patient safety worksheet with answers

In the fire extinguisher acronym PASS, what does the first S stand for?

1. AShout for help
2. BSqueeze the handle
3. CSpray the top of the flames
4. DStand still

When should the side rails of a young child’s hospital crib be fully raised?

1. AOnly if the child has fallen before
2. BOnly at night while the child sleeps
3. CWhenever the child is in the crib and the nurse steps away
4. DOnly when a parent asks for them to be raised before leaving the room

Which symbol must appear on containers of regulated medical waste?

1. AThe flammable flame symbol
2. BThe biohazard symbol
3. CThe radiation trefoil
4. DThe corrosive symbol

The barcode scanner warns that the medication does not match the patient’s record. What should the nurse do?

1. AStop and find out why before giving the medication
2. BGive the medication and report the warning later in the shift
3. CScan a different patient’s wristband
4. DOverride the warning and give the medication

A patient is admitted to an inpatient mental health unit. Why are personal belongings checked?

1. ATo decide which family members may visit
2. BTo remove items that could be used to harm self or others
3. CTo make a list of valuable items for insurance
4. DTo find out what the patient likes to wear during the hospital stay

A patient wants to use their own electric hair dryer in the hospital. What is correct?

1. AIt can be used in the bathroom near the sink if the patient is careful
2. BIt can be plugged into an extension lead under the bed
3. CIt can be used straight away if it looks new
4. DIt is checked for electrical safety according to hospital policy before use

A nurse observes a colleague going from one patient to the next without hand hygiene. What is the best action?

1. ASay nothing, to avoid conflict within the team
2. BWait to see whether the colleague does it next time
3. CReport it anonymously to the manager a month later
4. DRemind the colleague politely at once

A patient on oxygen needs an MRI scan. Which plan is safe?

1. AUse only MRI-safe equipment, and never take a standard steel oxygen cylinder into the scanner room
2. BTake the usual steel cylinder into the room if it is tightly strapped to the trolley frame
3. CRemove the oxygen for the scan without telling anyone
4. DLeave the steel cylinder on the patient’s bed during the scan