Infection control & patient safety worksheet with answers

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

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

What is the purpose of the “time-out” just before a surgical procedure?

1. ATo confirm the patient, procedure and site with the whole team
2. BTo have the patient sign the consent form
3. CTo give the surgical team a short rest before they start operating
4. DTo count the instruments and swabs after the operation

Why is a carbon monoxide detector recommended in the home?

1. ACarbon monoxide has no color or smell, so people cannot detect it themselves
2. BCarbon monoxide is only dangerous outdoors
3. CThe detector also measures the air temperature and humidity in the home
4. DCarbon monoxide always smells like rotten eggs

Why are oral liquid medicines given with oral or enteral syringes rather than standard IV syringes?

1. AIV syringes cannot measure small volumes of oral liquid accurately
2. BOral syringes do not fit IV lines, preventing wrong-route errors
3. CThere is no safety reason; it is only tradition
4. DOral syringes measure intravenous doses more accurately

Before helping a patient from bed into a wheelchair, what should the nurse do with the wheelchair?

1. ALock the brakes and place it close to the bed on the patient’s stronger side
2. BPlace it on the patient’s weaker side so that side is supported
3. CPlace it at the foot of the bed, facing away
4. DLeave the brakes off so the chair can move along with the patient during the pivot

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

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

A flexible bronchoscope contacts mucous membranes but does not enter sterile tissue. Which level of processing is required at a minimum between patients?

1. AWiping with an alcohol wipe
2. BLow-level disinfection
3. CHigh-level disinfection
4. DCleaning with soap and water only

A nurse calculates a child’s prescribed dose and finds it is ten times higher than the usual dose for the child’s weight. What should the nurse do?

1. AHold the dose and verify it with the prescriber and pharmacist
2. BGive it, because the prescriber must have a reason
3. CGive half the dose and watch the child closely
4. DGive one-tenth of the dose without telling anyone about it