Infection control & patient safety worksheet with answers

A nurse cannot get a good seal with an N95 respirator because of a beard. Which device can be used instead?

1. AA washable cloth face mask worn over the beard
2. BTwo surgical masks worn together
3. CA standard surgical mask
4. DA powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR)

What is a superinfection?

1. AA new infection that grows when antibiotics upset the normal flora
2. BAn infection that no antibiotic can treat
3. CAn infection that spreads to more than one organ at the same time
4. DAn infection of a surgical wound that has opened

In the chain of infection, which link is broken when a patient covers the mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing?

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

Which practice is safe when transferring a patient from a bed to a stretcher?

1. AHave the patient slide across without help or a slide sheet
2. BLower the stretcher side rails during transport
3. CLeave the stretcher wheels unlocked so it can move with the patient
4. DLock the wheels of both the bed and the stretcher before moving the patient

Why is blood glucose control important around the time of surgery?

1. AHigh glucose impairs white cell function and raises the risk of surgical site infection
2. BLow glucose is needed around surgery so that the wound edges close more quickly
3. CGlucose levels only affect patients who have type 1 diabetes
4. DHigh glucose makes anesthetic drugs work for much longer and delays waking up

An infant has had a cleft lip repair. Why are elbow restraints often used?

1. ATo keep the infant from rolling over in the crib
2. BTo hold the IV line in place during feeds and stop it being pulled out
3. CTo stop the infant’s hands reaching the mouth while still allowing arm movement
4. DTo prevent the infant from sucking a pacifier

A nurse has a needlestick from a patient whose HIV and hepatitis status is unknown. What should happen?

1. AThe source patient is tested per policy, and the nurse has baseline tests
2. BThe nurse waits six months before having any blood tests at all
3. CNothing, because the source patient is probably not infected
4. DThe nurse is assumed to be infected and stops all work

During bedside handoff, the patient says, “I’m allergic to sulfa drugs,” but no allergy is recorded. What should the nurse do?

1. AIgnore it, because the electronic record is more reliable than the patient’s memory
2. BWait until the patient is discharged to update the record
3. CTell the patient that sulfa drugs are always safe
4. DClarify the reaction, update the allergy record and tell the prescriber