Infection control & patient safety worksheet with answers

Under US OSHA rules, how often must a health care worker be fit-tested for a tight-fitting respirator such as an N95?

1. AOnce only, when the worker is first hired by the hospital
2. BAt least once a year, and when the model changes
3. CEvery five years, at license renewal
4. DOnly after the worker has an exposure

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. BKeep using it carefully until the end of the shift, then report it
3. CWrap the cord in electrical tape and continue using it
4. DAsk the patient not to touch the cord

Which foods are commonly linked to cross-reactions in people with a latex allergy?

1. AApples, carrots, lettuce and peas
2. BRice, potatoes, oats and bread
3. CMilk, eggs, wheat and peanuts
4. DBanana, avocado, kiwi and chestnut

A family member will visit a patient on contact precautions. What should the nurse do?

1. AShow them how to use the gown and gloves and how to clean their hands
2. BTell them precautions only apply to staff
3. CTell them visits are not allowed at all
4. DAsk them to wear an N95 respirator only, with no gown or gloves

A nurse’s hands are dry and cracked from frequent hand hygiene. What is the best approach?

1. AStop hand hygiene until the skin heals
2. BUse the hand lotion approved by the facility to keep the skin intact
3. CUse any lotion from home, whatever its contents
4. DWear gloves all day instead of cleaning the hands between patients

A nurse receives a needlestick injury from a patient known to have HIV. Why is it important to report it immediately?

1. AReporting can be done at any time within a month without changing the risk
2. BReporting is only needed for injuries from IV needles
3. CReporting is only needed if the wound bleeds or is deep
4. DPost-exposure prophylaxis works best when started within hours

Two look-alike vials of different drugs are stored next to each other, and a nurse almost picks the wrong one. Which response best reflects a just culture?

1. ATell the nurse to be more careful and do nothing else
2. BReport it and fix the system, for example by separating the vials
3. CDiscipline the nurse who nearly picked the wrong vial
4. DKeep the incident quiet to protect the unit’s reputation

A patient with severe immunosuppression after a stem cell transplant is in a protective environment. Which item should not be brought into the room?

1. AThe patient’s own clean clothes
2. BFresh flowers or potted plants
3. CA clean, disinfected tablet computer
4. DA family photo in a frame that has been wiped clean