Infection control & patient safety worksheet with answers

Free printable Infection control & patient safety worksheet: 8 problems from easy to exam level, with an answer key. Print it or save it as a PDF.

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Name: ____________________   Date: ____________

1.Easy

Which single measure is the most important for preventing the spread of infection in healthcare?

  1. AWearing a mask at all times
  2. BPrescribing antibiotics to all patients
  3. CKeeping windows closed
  4. DHand hygiene
2.Easy

Why is “IU” (international units) on The Joint Commission’s “Do Not Use” list?

  1. AIt means “inpatient use” in many hospitals
  2. BIt is only allowed in pediatric orders
  3. CIt refers only to insulin units
  4. DIt can be misread as “IV” or as the number 10
3.Easy

In the chain of infection, which link does vaccination break?

  1. AThe infectious agent
  2. BThe portal of exit
  3. CThe reservoir
  4. DThe susceptible host
4.Medium

Why are independent double checks used for some medicines, such as insulin and heparin infusions?

  1. ABecause these drugs are very expensive to waste
  2. BTo share responsibility between two nurses if an error happens
  3. CTo make the preparation process faster
  4. DA second person checking separately catches missed errors
5.Medium

Which nurse should not be assigned to a patient with a sealed radioactive implant?

  1. AA nurse who is pregnant
  2. BA nurse trained in radiation safety
  3. CA nurse wearing a dosimeter badge
  4. DA nurse who has worked on the unit for two years
6.Medium

A nurse who wears prescription glasses must irrigate a wound where splashing is likely. Which eye protection is suitable?

  1. AThe glasses with a surgical mask
  2. BThe prescription glasses alone
  3. CGoggles or a face shield worn over the glasses
  4. DNo eye protection, if the nurse stands to one side
7.Hard

A nurse notices that the pharmacy has sent the wrong dose and corrects it before giving it. Should the event be reported?

  1. ANo, because the patient was not harmed
  2. BOnly if the same error happens three times
  3. CNo, because reporting near misses only blames the pharmacy staff for nothing
  4. DYes, near misses are reported so system weaknesses can be fixed
8.Hard

A nurse teaches an older adult about preventing falls at home. Which statement shows a need for further teaching?

  1. A“I keep small rugs in the hall so my feet stay warm.”
  2. B“I use night lights between my bedroom and the bathroom.”
  3. C“I had grab bars put in next to the toilet.”
  4. D“I wear shoes with non-slip soles around the house.”

Answer key

  1. 1. D · Hand hygiene
  2. 2. D · It can be misread as “IV” or as the number 10
  3. 3. D · The susceptible host
  4. 4. D · A second person checking separately catches missed errors
  5. 5. A · A nurse who is pregnant
  6. 6. C · Goggles or a face shield worn over the glasses
  7. 7. D · Yes, near misses are reported so system weaknesses can be fixed
  8. 8. A · “I keep small rugs in the hall so my feet stay warm.”

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