1
Safety and Infection Control NCLEX
Practice Questions
Why Choose This Document?
This comprehensive Safety and Infection Control NCLEX Practice Quiz offers 100 expertly
crafted questions that reflect the latest nursing exam trends and clinical standards. Each question
is followed by a detailed explanation, designed to deepen your understanding and reinforce
critical concepts necessary for safe nursing practice.
● Clear, concise, and exam-focused to maximize your test readiness
● Emphasis on patient safety and infection prevention to meet real-world nursing
challenges
● Perfect for self-study, group review, or NCLEX prep classes
● Up-to-date and aligned with NCLEX-RN standards
Compiled by:
Registered Nurse and Certified NCLEX Tutor
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Safety and Infection Control NCLEX
Practice Questions
1. What is the primary purpose of standard precautions in infection control?
A. To prevent transmission of pathogens in healthcare settings
B. To protect only immunocompromised patients
C. To reduce the use of antibiotics
D. To sterilize all medical equipment
The answer is: A. To prevent transmission of pathogens in healthcare settings
Explanation
Standard precautions are designed to prevent the spread of infections by assuming all blood,
body fluids, secretions, and excretions (except sweat) may contain transmissible infectious
agents. This approach helps protect both healthcare workers and patients by consistently
applying protective measures such as hand hygiene and use of personal protective equipment
(PPE).
2. Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is required when caring for a patient with
suspected tuberculosis?
A. Surgical mask
B. N95 respirator mask
C. Gloves only
D. Gown and gloves only
The answer is: B. N95 respirator mask
Explanation
Tuberculosis is transmitted via airborne particles, requiring an N95 respirator mask for effective
protection. Surgical masks do not filter small airborne particles adequately, so the N95 respirator
is essential in preventing inhalation of infectious aerosols.
3. What is the correct sequence for donning PPE?
A. Gloves, gown, mask, goggles
B. Gown, mask, goggles, gloves
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C. Mask, gloves, gown, goggles
D. Goggles, mask, gown, gloves
The answer is: B. Gown, mask, goggles, gloves
Explanation
The proper order to put on PPE ensures maximum protection and reduces contamination risk.
Start with the gown, followed by mask or respirator, goggles or face shield, and lastly gloves to
cover the gown cuffs.
4. How long should handwashing last to effectively reduce microbial presence?
A. 5 seconds
B. 10 seconds
C. 15 seconds
D. At least 20 seconds
The answer is: D. At least 20 seconds
Explanation
Proper handwashing with soap and water should last at least 20 seconds to effectively remove
pathogens. This duration allows soap to break down oils and microbes on the skin, reducing
infection transmission risk.
5. Which isolation precaution is appropriate for a patient with Clostridium difficile
infection?
A. Contact precautions
B. Droplet precautions
C. Airborne precautions
D. Standard precautions only
The answer is: A. Contact precautions
Explanation
Clostridium difficile spores are transmitted via contact with contaminated surfaces or hands.
Contact precautions including gloves and gowns are necessary to prevent spread, along with
thorough environmental cleaning.
6. What is the primary route of transmission for hepatitis B virus in healthcare settings?
A. Airborne
B. Contact with contaminated surfaces
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C. Bloodborne
D. Droplet
The answer is: C. Bloodborne
Explanation
Hepatitis B is primarily transmitted through blood and bodily fluids. Healthcare workers must
follow bloodborne pathogen precautions including safe needle practices and use of PPE to
prevent infection.
7. What is the recommended needle disposal method in healthcare facilities?
A. Recapping needles before disposal
B. Placing needles in a puncture-resistant sharps container
C. Throwing needles in regular trash bins
D. Disinfecting needles before disposal
The answer is: B. Placing needles in a puncture-resistant sharps container
Explanation
Needles and other sharps must be disposed of immediately in designated puncture-resistant
containers to prevent needlestick injuries and contamination. Recapping needles is discouraged
due to injury risk.
8. Which action best prevents the spread of infection from a catheter-associated urinary
tract infection (CAUTI)?
A. Routinely changing the catheter every day
B. Maintaining a closed drainage system
C. Cleaning the catheter with alcohol daily
D. Using antibiotics prophylactically
The answer is: B. Maintaining a closed drainage system
Explanation
Maintaining a closed drainage system for urinary catheters minimizes the risk of introducing
pathogens into the bladder, reducing the incidence of CAUTI. Routine catheter changes are not
recommended unless clinically indicated.
9. What is the correct action when a healthcare worker is accidentally exposed to a
patient’s blood?
A. Immediately wash the exposed area with soap and water
Safety and Infection Control NCLEX
Practice Questions
Why Choose This Document?
This comprehensive Safety and Infection Control NCLEX Practice Quiz offers 100 expertly
crafted questions that reflect the latest nursing exam trends and clinical standards. Each question
is followed by a detailed explanation, designed to deepen your understanding and reinforce
critical concepts necessary for safe nursing practice.
● Clear, concise, and exam-focused to maximize your test readiness
● Emphasis on patient safety and infection prevention to meet real-world nursing
challenges
● Perfect for self-study, group review, or NCLEX prep classes
● Up-to-date and aligned with NCLEX-RN standards
Compiled by:
Registered Nurse and Certified NCLEX Tutor
, 2
Safety and Infection Control NCLEX
Practice Questions
1. What is the primary purpose of standard precautions in infection control?
A. To prevent transmission of pathogens in healthcare settings
B. To protect only immunocompromised patients
C. To reduce the use of antibiotics
D. To sterilize all medical equipment
The answer is: A. To prevent transmission of pathogens in healthcare settings
Explanation
Standard precautions are designed to prevent the spread of infections by assuming all blood,
body fluids, secretions, and excretions (except sweat) may contain transmissible infectious
agents. This approach helps protect both healthcare workers and patients by consistently
applying protective measures such as hand hygiene and use of personal protective equipment
(PPE).
2. Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is required when caring for a patient with
suspected tuberculosis?
A. Surgical mask
B. N95 respirator mask
C. Gloves only
D. Gown and gloves only
The answer is: B. N95 respirator mask
Explanation
Tuberculosis is transmitted via airborne particles, requiring an N95 respirator mask for effective
protection. Surgical masks do not filter small airborne particles adequately, so the N95 respirator
is essential in preventing inhalation of infectious aerosols.
3. What is the correct sequence for donning PPE?
A. Gloves, gown, mask, goggles
B. Gown, mask, goggles, gloves
, 3
C. Mask, gloves, gown, goggles
D. Goggles, mask, gown, gloves
The answer is: B. Gown, mask, goggles, gloves
Explanation
The proper order to put on PPE ensures maximum protection and reduces contamination risk.
Start with the gown, followed by mask or respirator, goggles or face shield, and lastly gloves to
cover the gown cuffs.
4. How long should handwashing last to effectively reduce microbial presence?
A. 5 seconds
B. 10 seconds
C. 15 seconds
D. At least 20 seconds
The answer is: D. At least 20 seconds
Explanation
Proper handwashing with soap and water should last at least 20 seconds to effectively remove
pathogens. This duration allows soap to break down oils and microbes on the skin, reducing
infection transmission risk.
5. Which isolation precaution is appropriate for a patient with Clostridium difficile
infection?
A. Contact precautions
B. Droplet precautions
C. Airborne precautions
D. Standard precautions only
The answer is: A. Contact precautions
Explanation
Clostridium difficile spores are transmitted via contact with contaminated surfaces or hands.
Contact precautions including gloves and gowns are necessary to prevent spread, along with
thorough environmental cleaning.
6. What is the primary route of transmission for hepatitis B virus in healthcare settings?
A. Airborne
B. Contact with contaminated surfaces
, 4
C. Bloodborne
D. Droplet
The answer is: C. Bloodborne
Explanation
Hepatitis B is primarily transmitted through blood and bodily fluids. Healthcare workers must
follow bloodborne pathogen precautions including safe needle practices and use of PPE to
prevent infection.
7. What is the recommended needle disposal method in healthcare facilities?
A. Recapping needles before disposal
B. Placing needles in a puncture-resistant sharps container
C. Throwing needles in regular trash bins
D. Disinfecting needles before disposal
The answer is: B. Placing needles in a puncture-resistant sharps container
Explanation
Needles and other sharps must be disposed of immediately in designated puncture-resistant
containers to prevent needlestick injuries and contamination. Recapping needles is discouraged
due to injury risk.
8. Which action best prevents the spread of infection from a catheter-associated urinary
tract infection (CAUTI)?
A. Routinely changing the catheter every day
B. Maintaining a closed drainage system
C. Cleaning the catheter with alcohol daily
D. Using antibiotics prophylactically
The answer is: B. Maintaining a closed drainage system
Explanation
Maintaining a closed drainage system for urinary catheters minimizes the risk of introducing
pathogens into the bladder, reducing the incidence of CAUTI. Routine catheter changes are not
recommended unless clinically indicated.
9. What is the correct action when a healthcare worker is accidentally exposed to a
patient’s blood?
A. Immediately wash the exposed area with soap and water
