Infection control & patient safety worksheet with answers

How should waste contaminated with chemotherapy drugs be discarded?

1. ADown the sink with plenty of water
2. BIn the recycling bin with plastics
3. CIn the general household-type trash bin on the ward, tied in a bag
4. DIn a separate labeled container for hazardous drug waste

Which aid makes it safer to move a patient sideways from a bed to a stretcher?

1. AA wheelchair placed between the bed and stretcher
2. BA friction-reducing slide sheet or transfer board
3. CPulling the patient by the arms and legs
4. DA gait belt around the patient’s waist

Which factor is one of the strongest predictors that a patient will fall?

1. ABeing female
2. BWearing glasses for reading
3. CA previous fall
4. DHaving a private room

Why is keeping a patient warm (normothermia) during surgery part of infection prevention?

1. ALow body temperature reduces blood flow and immune function in the wound
2. BWarm patients do not need antibiotic prophylaxis
3. CCold makes bacteria grow faster in the operating room air and on the drapes
4. DWarmth sterilizes the surgical site

A nurse wants to set up a sterile field in the morning for a procedure that will take place after lunch. What is correct?

1. ASet it up just before the procedure, because a waiting field may become contaminated
2. BSet it up in the morning and ask a colleague to check it once
3. CSet it up in the morning and cover it with a clean towel until the procedure starts
4. DSet it up in the morning and leave it uncovered in an empty room

Which patient has the highest risk of a burn from a heating pad?

1. AA patient with a sprained wrist who is fully alert
2. BA healthy young adult with a strained muscle
3. CA patient recovering from a cold
4. DA patient with diabetic peripheral neuropathy

A patient with depression has suddenly become calm and is giving away personal possessions. What does this suggest?

1. AThat the depression has resolved and observation can be reduced
2. BThat the patient is now ready for discharge today
3. CA possibly increased suicide risk that needs immediate assessment
4. DThat the patient wants to make new friends on the unit

A patient with active pulmonary tuberculosis asks visitors to come in. What is the best response?

1. AExplain the risk, limit visits and teach visitors to use the protection provided
2. BAsk visitors to stand in the open doorway instead of entering the room
3. CBan all contact permanently, including phone calls
4. DAllow any visitor in without any precautions, to support the patient