Infection control & patient safety worksheet with answers

Which item belongs in a sharps container?

1. AAn empty IV bag with the tubing removed
2. BA soiled gauze dressing
3. CA pair of used gloves
4. DA used scalpel blade

When should a nurse wash hands with soap and water rather than use an alcohol-based hand rub?

1. AAfter touching a patient’s bed rail
2. BBefore every subcutaneous injection
3. CWhen the hands are visibly soiled
4. DBefore putting on clean gloves

A nurse notices a frayed electrical cord on an infusion pump. What should the nurse do?

1. ATake the pump out of use, label it as faulty and report it
2. BWrap the cord in electrical tape and continue using it
3. CAsk the patient not to touch the cord
4. DKeep using it carefully until the end of the shift, then report it

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

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

A patient with difficulty swallowing is prescribed an extended-release tablet. What should the nurse do?

1. ACut the tablet in half so it is easier to swallow
2. BCrush the tablet finely and mix it into a spoonful of applesauce or yogurt
3. CDissolve the tablet in a glass of hot water
4. DAsk the prescriber or pharmacist for another form and not crush the tablet

A patient has severe neutropenia after chemotherapy. Which route for measuring temperature should be avoided?

1. ATympanic
2. BOral
3. CTemporal artery
4. DRectal

A patient on contact precautions for MRSA has become withdrawn and says, “Everyone avoids me.” What is the best nursing action?

1. AStop the precautions for a few days so the patient feels less isolated and alone
2. BAsk the provider for a sedative to help the patient cope
3. CExplain why the precautions are needed and plan regular, unhurried time in the room
4. DKeep visits short to limit the risk of spreading MRSA

A patient takes medicines prescribed by several providers. Which advice best reduces the risk of medication errors at home?

1. AKeep each provider’s medicines in separate bags
2. BKeep one up-to-date list of all medicines and use one pharmacy where possible
3. COnly tell each provider about the drugs they prescribed
4. DStop taking any medicine that seems to repeat another one, without asking anyone