Patient Safety and Infection Control: Essential Knowledge for Nurses

Question 1

Performing hand hygiene before and after patient contact is an example of which infection control measure?

Accepted Answer

Standard precautions

Answer

Transmission-based precautions

Answer

Administrative controls

Answer

Environmental controls

Question 2

Which of the following is the most effective method for preventing the spread of airborne pathogens?

Accepted Answer

Using an N95 respirator

Answer

Maintaining a 6-foot distance from infected individuals

Answer

Covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing

Answer

Using ultraviolet light disinfection

Question 3

Surveillance and reporting of infections is a key principle of:

Accepted Answer

Infection prevention and control

Answer

Patient safety

Answer

Quality improvement

Answer

Risk management

Question 4

What is the primary purpose of hand hygiene in healthcare settings?

Accepted Answer

To prevent the transmission of microorganisms

Answer

To remove visible dirt and microorganisms

Answer

To maintain skin integrity

Answer

To reduce the risk of allergic reactions

Question 5

Which type of isolation precaution is appropriate for a patient with suspected measles?

Accepted Answer

Airborne precautions

Answer

Contact precautions

Answer

Droplet precautions

Answer

Standard precautions

Question 6

What is the primary objective of a patient safety culture in healthcare?

Accepted Answer

To promote a culture of open communication and reporting

Answer

To eliminate all patient harm

Answer

To improve patient satisfaction

Answer

To reduce healthcare costs

Question 7

Which of the following actions promotes patient safety?

Accepted Answer

Communicating effectively with patients and their families

Answer

Prioritizing patient comfort over all else

Answer

Ensuring a sterile environment at all times

Question 8

How often should healthcare workers wash their hands?

Accepted Answer

Before and after patient contact

Answer

Every hour

Answer

After using the bathroom

Question 9

What is the main objective of infection control measures in healthcare settings?

Accepted Answer

To reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections

Answer

To eliminate all microorganisms from the healthcare environment

Answer

To prevent the spread of infectious diseases outside the healthcare setting

Question 10

Which element is essential for effective patient safety communication?

Accepted Answer

Active listening and empathy

Answer

Using jargon and technical terms

Answer

Avoiding documentation of important information

Question 11

What is the primary responsibility of a nurse in preventing patient falls?

Accepted Answer

Assessing patient risk factors and implementing appropriate interventions

Answer

Restraining patients who are at high risk of falling

Answer

Ignoring patient requests for assistance with mobility

Question 12

Which action does NOT adhere to medication safety principles?

Accepted Answer

Ignoring patient allergies

Answer

Using the five rights of medication administration

Answer

Double-checking medications before administration

Answer

Storing medications securely

Question 13

What is the appropriate response to a patient reporting a medication error?

Accepted Answer

Document the error and notify the healthcare provider immediately

Answer

Ignore the patient's report and continue administering medications

Answer

Blame the patient for the error

Question 14

What is an advantage of implementing evidence-based practices in patient safety?

Accepted Answer

Improved patient outcomes and reduced healthcare costs

Answer

Increased workload for healthcare professionals

Answer

Neglect of patient preferences and values

Question 15

Which of the following is the most common barrier to effective infection control?

Accepted Answer

Lack of knowledge

Answer

Inadequate staffing

Answer

Poor communication

Answer

Insufficient supplies

Question 16

Which type of isolation precaution is used for patients with suspected or confirmed infections spread through close contact?

Accepted Answer

Contact isolation

Answer

Droplet isolation

Answer

Airborne isolation

Answer

Enteric isolation

Question 17

What is the primary purpose of a patient safety huddle?

Accepted Answer

To discuss potential safety risks and develop action plans

Answer

To provide updates on patient status

Answer

To review patient charts

Answer

To assign staff duties

Question 18

What is the main objective of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement's (IHI) "100,000 Lives Campaign"?

Accepted Answer

To reduce the number of preventable patient deaths

Answer

To improve patient satisfaction

Answer

To reduce healthcare costs

Answer

To increase the use of technology in healthcare

Question 19

For a patient with suspected or confirmed airborne infection, which isolation precaution is most suitable?

Accepted Answer

Airborne Precautions

Answer

Standard Precautions

Answer

Contact Precautions

Answer

Droplet Precautions

Question 20

Which of the following is a core principle of patient safety?

Accepted Answer

Prioritizing patient well-being and minimizing harm.

Answer

Ensuring patient comfort during medical procedures.

Answer

Maintaining confidentiality of patient information.

Answer

Adhering to professional ethical guidelines.

Question 21

What is the initial step in an infection control investigation?

Accepted Answer

Identifying the source of the infection.

Answer

Implementing control measures to prevent further spread.

Answer

Educating staff and patients about infection prevention practices.

Answer

Collecting environmental samples for testing.

Question 22

Which of the following is NOT included in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for standard precautions?

Accepted Answer

Placing patients with known or suspected infections in private rooms.

Answer

Wearing gloves when handling blood or bodily fluids.

Answer

Washing hands frequently with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub.

Answer

Using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when indicated.

Question 23

Which measure is considered the most effective in preventing the spread of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs)?

Accepted Answer

Thorough hand hygiene practices.

Answer

Isolating infected patients in dedicated rooms.

Answer

Administering antibiotics to patients at risk of infection.

Answer

Rigorously adhering to cleaning and disinfection protocols.

Question 24

Which of the following factors is NOT considered a risk factor for developing a HAI?

Accepted Answer

Frequent travel, exposing individuals to different strains of microorganisms.

Answer

Advanced age, as immune function declines with age.

Answer

Immunosuppression, which weakens the body's ability to fight infection.

Answer

Prolonged hospitalization, increasing exposure to healthcare environment and potential pathogens.

Question 25

Which type of personal protective equipment (PPE) is primarily indicated for contact precautions?

Accepted Answer

Sterile gloves to prevent direct contact with infectious materials.

Answer

Disposable gown to prevent contamination of clothing.

Answer

Surgical mask to protect against respiratory droplets.

Answer

Eye protection to shield against splashes or sprays of body fluids.

Question 26

A sentinel event in healthcare is defined as:

Accepted Answer

An unexpected and unintended event that results in death or serious physical or psychological injury, or the risk thereof.

Answer

An event that is always avoidable.

Answer

An event that is caused by negligence.

Answer

An event that is prevented by timely intervention.

Question 27

To foster optimal patient comprehension of infection prevention measures, which approach is most effective?

Accepted Answer

Engaging patients in hands-on demonstrations and discussions

Answer

Distributing written materials and displaying video presentations

Answer

Delegating infection prevention education solely to family members

Answer

Providing education only when requested by patients

Question 28

Which measure is considered the most crucial in preventing the spread of healthcare-associated infections, as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining proper hand hygiene

Answer

Wearing gloves when handling bodily fluids

Answer

Utilizing personal protective equipment (PPE) like gowns and masks

Answer

Isolating patients suspected or confirmed to have infections

Question 29

In a hospital setting, which action is most effective in preventing the spread of infections?

Accepted Answer

Washing hands with soap and water or using hand sanitizer before and after touching patients

Answer

Wearing a mask when entering a patient's room

Answer

Wearing gloves when changing dressings

Answer

Changing patient linens daily

Question 30

Which fundamental principle forms the basis for implementing Standard Precautions?

Accepted Answer

Presuming all patient body fluids are potentially infectious

Answer

Donning personal protective equipment (PPE) before entering a patient's room

Answer

Isolating patients diagnosed with or suspected of having infectious diseases

Question 31

Which of the following is NOT a component of Standard Precautions?

Accepted Answer

Wearing gloves only when handling blood and body fluids.

Answer

Washing hands frequently.

Answer

Using personal protective equipment (PPE) when appropriate.

Question 32

Healthcare professionals should change gloves during patient care:

Accepted Answer

After touching a patient's wound or mucous membrane, after contact with non-intact skin, and when moving from a contaminated to a clean body site.

Answer

After assisting the patient with toileting.

Answer

Before entering the patient's room.

Answer

After washing the patient's face.

Question 33

The most common route of transmission for healthcare-associated infections is:

Accepted Answer

Contact.

Answer

Droplet.

Answer

Airborne.

Question 34

The primary purpose of aseptic technique is to:

Accepted Answer

Prevent the introduction of microorganisms into a sterile environment.

Answer

Disinfect patient care equipment.

Answer

Remove microorganisms from the skin.

Question 35

Which of the following is a risk factor for developing a healthcare-associated infection?

Accepted Answer

Prolonged hospitalization.

Answer

Young age.

Answer

Healthy immune system.

Answer

Good nutrition.

Question 36

The first step in an outbreak investigation is to:

Accepted Answer

Identify the index case (first infected person).

Answer

Collect specimens for testing.

Answer

Implement control measures.

Answer

Notify public health authorities.

Question 37

Which of the following is a type of personal protective equipment (PPE)?

Accepted Answer

Mask.

Answer

Stethoscope.

Answer

Blood pressure cuff.

Answer

Tourniquet.

Question 38

The primary purpose of patient isolation is to:

Accepted Answer

Prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

Answer

Punish the patient for non-compliance.

Answer

Provide privacy for the patient.

Question 39

Which of the following is a sign of a surgical site infection?

Accepted Answer

Purulent drainage from the incision.

Answer

Absence of fever.

Answer

Minimal pain.

Answer

Dry incision.

Question 40

Which of the following is the most effective preventive measure against the spread of influenza in a healthcare setting?

Accepted Answer

Vaccination of healthcare personnel

Answer

Use of personal protective equipment (gloves, gowns, masks)

Answer

Isolation of infected patients

Answer

Frequent hand sanitization

Question 41

What is the primary goal of patient safety and infection control protocols?

Accepted Answer

Preventing healthcare-associated infections

Answer

Improving patient comfort and satisfaction

Answer

Enhancing communication between healthcare providers

Answer

Maintaining a clean and organized healthcare environment

Question 42

What is the primary purpose of hand hygiene in infection control?

Accepted Answer

Removing microorganisms from hands

Answer

Improving hand dexterity

Answer

Preventing the development of skin irritation

Answer

Moisturizing the skin

Question 43

Which type of personal protective equipment (PPE) is specifically designed to protect healthcare workers from bloodborne pathogens?

Accepted Answer

Gloves

Answer

Gown

Answer

Mask

Question 44

Which isolation measure is recommended for patients with suspected or confirmed MRSA infection?

Accepted Answer

Contact precautions

Answer

Airborne precautions

Answer

Standard precautions

Answer

Droplet precautions

Question 45

Which hand hygiene technique is most effective in eliminating transient organisms?

Accepted Answer

Alcohol-based hand rub

Answer

Soap and water

Answer

Chlorhexidine gluconate

Answer

Povidone-iodine

Question 46

What is the primary purpose of isolation precautions in healthcare settings?

Accepted Answer

To prevent the transmission of infections among patients and healthcare workers

Answer

To reduce hospital expenses

Answer

To provide comfort to patients

Answer

To punish patients with contagious diseases

Question 47

Which factor is considered most critical in preventing falls, particularly among elderly patients?

Accepted Answer

Comprehensive risk assessment and appropriate interventions

Answer

Physical restraints

Answer

Bedside alarms

Answer

Anti-slip socks

Question 48

What is the primary objective of utilizing a surgical safety checklist?

Accepted Answer

To reduce the likelihood of preventable surgical complications

Answer

To assign blame in case of surgical errors

Answer

To obtain patient consent for surgery

Answer

To document the surgical procedure in detail

Question 49

Which standard precaution is most effective in preventing the spread of airborne infections?

Accepted Answer

Wearing a surgical mask

Answer

Wearing gloves

Answer

Washing hands

Answer

Using a gown

Question 50

What is the fundamental goal of the Joint Commission's National Patient Safety Goals?

Accepted Answer

To minimize preventable harm to patients

Answer

To reduce hospital costs

Answer

To increase patient satisfaction

Answer

To prevent all healthcare-associated infections

Question 51

How often should isolation gowns be changed in healthcare settings?

Accepted Answer

After each patient contact

Answer

Once every shift

Answer

Every four hours

Answer

Only when visibly soiled

Question 52

Which of the following is a recognized risk factor for developing healthcare-associated infections?

Accepted Answer

Prolonged hospitalization

Answer

Regular exercise

Answer

Adequate nutrition

Answer

Younger age

Question 53

What is the primary responsibility of the infection control nurse?

Accepted Answer

To prevent and control infections within healthcare facilities

Answer

To conduct research on new infectious diseases

Answer

To administer vaccinations to patients

Answer

To provide direct patient care

Question 54

What is the purpose of a surgical safety checklist?

Accepted Answer

To reduce the risk of surgical errors

Answer

To increase surgeon efficiency

Answer

To provide anesthesia care

Answer

To document patient consent