Infection control & patient safety worksheet with answers

Why should nurses who give direct patient care not wear artificial nails?

1. AThey are a problem only in operating rooms
2. BThey react with alcohol hand rub and damage the skin of the hands
3. CThey make gloves easier to put on and take off
4. DArtificial nails carry more bacteria and are harder to clean

Which item belongs in a sharps container?

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

How should a nurse clean a stethoscope between patients?

1. ARinse it under running water and dry it on a towel
2. BWipe the diaphragm and tubing with an alcohol or approved disinfectant wipe
3. CSend it to be sterilized in an autoclave after every single patient contact
4. DClean it once a week, unless it is visibly dirty

A nurse cleans an IV pump with a disinfectant wipe. What must happen for the disinfectant to work?

1. AThe surface stays wet for the contact time on the product label
2. BThe surface is dried with a clean towel right after wiping
3. CThe wipe is used on many pumps to save product
4. DThe surface is wiped once lightly without pressure

The barcode scanner warns that the medication does not match the patient’s record. What should the nurse do?

1. AScan a different patient’s wristband
2. BStop and find out why before giving the medication
3. CGive the medication and report the warning later in the shift
4. DOverride the warning and give the medication

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. CA second person checking separately catches missed errors
4. DTo make the preparation process faster

A nurse teaches a patient about home oxygen safety. Which statement shows a need for further teaching?

1. A“I can light candles at dinner if my oxygen is turned down low.”
2. B“I will put a ‘no smoking’ sign on my front door for visitors.”
3. C“I will keep my oxygen away from the stove.”
4. D“I will keep my spare cylinders upright and secured.”

A patient with suspected pertussis needs to stay in a shared bay because no single room is free. What is the most appropriate arrangement while infection control is contacted?

1. APlace the patient next to an immunocompromised patient
2. BUse no precautions at all until a single room becomes free
3. CUse airborne precautions with an N95 respirator for everyone
4. DCurtains drawn, over 1 meter (3 feet) of space, masks for close contact