Infection control & patient safety worksheet with answers

Under event-related sterility, how long is a sterile package considered sterile?

1. AForever, even if the outer wrapper gets wet
2. BUntil the end of the shift on which it was opened
3. CUntil it is opened, torn, wet or otherwise damaged
4. DFor exactly seven days after it was packed

What is closed-loop communication?

1. AThe receiver repeats the message back and the sender confirms it is correct
2. BSending a message to the team without waiting for any reply or confirmation
3. CWriting every message in the patient’s chart only
4. DCommunication that only happens in a closed room

Which item is “non-critical” and needs only cleaning and low-level disinfection between patients?

1. AA central venous catheter
2. BA blood pressure cuff
3. CA flexible gastroscope
4. DA set of surgical forceps

Why is blood glucose control important around the time of surgery?

1. AGlucose levels only affect patients who have type 1 diabetes
2. BHigh glucose impairs white cell function and raises the risk of surgical site infection
3. CLow glucose is needed around surgery so that the wound edges close more quickly
4. DHigh glucose makes anesthetic drugs work for much longer and delays waking up

A patient is on suicide precautions. Which room safety measure is appropriate?

1. AAllow glass bottles if the patient seems calm
2. BRemove items that could be used for self-harm, such as belts and cords
3. CKeep the door closed at all times so the patient has privacy
4. DLet the patient keep a personal razor for shaving, as long as staff are told

A nurse finds an unlabeled syringe of clear fluid on the medication counter. What should the nurse do?

1. AGive it to the patient whose medication is due
2. BAsk nearby staff and use it if someone recognizes it
3. CLabel it with the most likely drug name
4. DDiscard it, because its contents cannot be confirmed

A nurse has worked three long shifts in a row and feels exhausted. The manager asks the nurse to stay for another shift. What is the most appropriate response?

1. AAgree without telling anyone about the fatigue
2. BExplain that fatigue would make care unsafe and decline the extra shift
3. CAgree and drink extra coffee to stay alert
4. DAgree, but skip the independent medication checks to save energy on the shift

A patient on chemotherapy develops shingles over several areas on both sides of the body. Which precautions are needed?

1. AContact precautions only, with gloves for dressing changes
2. BStandard precautions only, with the lesions covered
3. CAirborne and contact precautions until all lesions are crusted
4. DDroplet precautions until the pain settles