Infection Control
A healthcare worker is about to enter a patient's room. What should be done before patient contact?
Perform hand hygiene before patient contact.
A patient is at risk for falling. Name one action the healthcare worker should take to reduce the risk.
Keep the bed low/locked, keep the call light within reach, provide appropriate footwear, and remove hazards.
A patient needs help eating. What should the healthcare worker check before beginning?
Check the diet/order, patient identity, positioning, ability to swallow, and needed precautions before assisting.
Which type of information is a patient's statement that 'my pain is 8 out of 10'?
Subjective information, because it is reported by the patient.
What is informed consent?
Permission given by a patient after receiving understandable information about a procedure or treatment.
A worker removes gloves after caring for a patient. What should happen next?
Perform hand hygiene immediately after removing gloves.
Before transferring a patient from bed to wheelchair, what should be checked on the wheelchair?
Make sure the wheelchair is locked and positioned safely before the transfer.
Why is intake and output measured for patients?
To monitor fluid balance and identify possible problems such as dehydration or fluid overload.
A healthcare worker notices a new red area on a patient's skin. How should it be documented?
Record objective findings accurately and specifically, including location/appearance and other relevant observations; avoid unsupported conclusions.
What does confidentiality mean in healthcare?
Keeping a patient’s personal and health information private.
What is the difference between cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing?
Cleaning removes dirt and some germs; disinfecting kills many disease-causing microorganisms; sterilizing destroys allmicroorganisms, including spores.
A wet floor is found in a hallway. What should the healthcare worker do first?
Keep people away from the area, place a warning sign if appropriate, and have the spill cleaned promptly according to policy.
A patient is unable to reposition independently. What care helps reduce pressure-injury risk?
Reposition the patient regularly and keep skin clean, dry, and protected; inspect pressure areas.
Why should documentation be completed promptly after care is provided?
Good documentation keeps patient records accurate and helps keep patients safe.
What is an example of respecting a patient’s right to privacy?
Closing the curtain or door, covering the patient appropriately, and not discussing private information where others can hear
A patient is on contact precautions. Which PPE is commonly required when entering the room?
Follow the required contact precautions; commonly gloves and a gown are used when entering the room, according to facility policy.
A patient says they feel dizzy while walking. What is the safest immediate response?
Stop walking and assist the patient to a safe sitting or lying position; stay with the patient and report the change.
A patient reports pain during a procedure. What should the healthcare worker do?
Stop or pause as appropriate, assess the situation, and report the patient's pain according to the care plan/facility policy.
A patient asks a question that is outside the healthcare worker's scope of practice. What should the worker do?
Do not guess or give unauthorized advice. Refer the question to the appropriate licensed healthcare professional.
What should a healthcare worker do if they witness possible abuse or neglect?
Follow mandatory-reporting laws and facility policy and immediately report concerns to the appropriate supervisor or authority.
A worker touches a contaminated dressing and then reaches for a clean supply. What infection-control principle was broken?
The worker broke clean-to-dirty/dirty-to-clean infection-control technique by touching clean supplies after contamination.
Why should proper body mechanics be used when moving or lifting a patient?
Proper body mechanics reduce the risk of injury to both the patient and the healthcare worker.
A patient refuses a bath. What is the appropriate response?
Respect the patient's refusal, determine whether they understand, report as required, and document the refusal.
Why should patient information only be shared with people who have a legitimate need to know?
To protect patient privacy and confidentiality and follow legal and professional requirements.
What is the difference between an ethical responsibility and a legal responsibility?