Infection control & patient safety worksheet with answers

Which item belongs in a sharps container?

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

In the chain of infection, a contaminated bedside table where bacteria live and multiply is an example of which link?

1. AThe portal of exit
2. BThe susceptible host
3. CThe reservoir
4. DThe portal of entry

Which practice makes the use of an ice pack safer?

1. AUse it only on areas where the patient has no feeling, so it is not uncomfortable
2. BKeep the ice pack on the skin while the patient sleeps overnight
3. CPlace a cloth between the pack and the skin and limit the time it is applied
4. DPut the ice pack directly on bare skin for several hours

A patient has a weak left leg. Which instruction about using a cane is correct?

1. AKeep the cane well out to the side, away from the body
2. BMove the cane and the right leg forward together
3. CHold the cane in the right hand, on the stronger side
4. DHold the cane in the left hand, on the weaker side

A patient has leftover opioid tablets after surgery. Which advice about disposal is best?

1. AGive them to a friend or relative who has back pain
2. BKeep them in an unlocked drawer at home in case of future pain
3. CLeave them in the bathroom cabinet indefinitely
4. DReturn them to a pharmacy or an approved take-back site

A patient is receiving opioids for pain. Which sign usually comes before opioid-induced respiratory depression?

1. ARising blood pressure
2. BDiarrhea
3. CIncreasing sedation
4. DDilated pupils

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

A nurse finds a patient lying on the floor next to the bed. What should the nurse do first?

1. ATelephone the family to tell them about the fall
2. BAssess the patient for injury before moving them
3. CLift the patient back into bed with a colleague
4. DComplete an incident report while the details are fresh