NR 224: Fundamentals of Nursing | Week 1 Critical Thinking &
Infection Control 2026 |Chamberlain
1. A nurse is preparing to perform a dressing change on a client with a localized
infection. Which step of the nursing process is being used when the nurse notes
the wound is red and swollen?
A. Planning
B. Implementation
C. Assessment
D. Diagnosis
Answer: C
Rationale: Assessment is the first step of the nursing process and involves collecting data,
such as observing redness and swelling at a wound site.
2. When washing hands, how long should the nurse vigorously rub all surfaces
of the hands with soap?
A. At least 5 seconds
B. At least 10 seconds
C. At least 1 minute
D. At least 20 seconds
Answer: D
Rationale: Effective hand washing requires at least 20 seconds of vigorous rubbing with
soap to mechanically remove microorganisms.
,3. A client is admitted with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis. Which type of
transmission-based precautions should the nurse implement?
A. Droplet Precautions
B. Contact Precautions
C. Airborne Precautions
D. Standard Precautions only
Answer: C
Rationale: Tuberculosis is transmitted via small droplets that remain suspended in the air,
requiring Airborne Precautions, including an N95 respirator and a negative-pressure room.
4. In the chain of infection, a contaminated stethoscope is an example of which
link?
A. Reservoir
B. Portal of Exit
C. Mode of Transmission
D. Susceptible Host
Answer: C
Rationale: A stethoscope acts as a vehicle or fomite, facilitating the mode of transmission
between a reservoir and a host.
5. The nurse is caring for a client with Clostridioides difficile (C. diff). Which
hand hygiene method is mandatory?
A. Alcohol-based hand rub
B. Rinsing with warm water only
C. Wiping with an antiseptic towelette
D. Washing with soap and water
Answer: D
Rationale: Alcohol-based rubs are ineffective against C. diff spores; mechanical scrubbing
with soap and water is required to remove them from the hands.
, 6. Which critical thinking attitude is demonstrated when a nurse admits they do
not know how to operate a new infusion pump and asks for help?
A. Integrity
B. Risk taking
C. Humility
D. Confidence
Answer: C
Rationale: Humility involves recognizing when one lacks the knowledge or skills for a
situation and seeking assistance to ensure patient safety.
7. The nurse is donning PPE before entering a room with Droplet Precautions.
Which item should be applied first?
A. Gloves
B. Mask
C. Goggles
D. Gown
Answer: D
Rationale: The standard sequence for donning PPE is gown, then mask or respirator, then
goggles or face shield, and finally gloves.
8. A client has a surgical wound that has become infected. The nurse recognizes
this as what type of infection?
A. Exogenous
B. Iatrogenic
C. Endogenous
D. Normal flora
Answer: A
Rationale: An exogenous infection comes from microorganisms found outside the
individual, such as those introduced during surgery.
Infection Control 2026 |Chamberlain
1. A nurse is preparing to perform a dressing change on a client with a localized
infection. Which step of the nursing process is being used when the nurse notes
the wound is red and swollen?
A. Planning
B. Implementation
C. Assessment
D. Diagnosis
Answer: C
Rationale: Assessment is the first step of the nursing process and involves collecting data,
such as observing redness and swelling at a wound site.
2. When washing hands, how long should the nurse vigorously rub all surfaces
of the hands with soap?
A. At least 5 seconds
B. At least 10 seconds
C. At least 1 minute
D. At least 20 seconds
Answer: D
Rationale: Effective hand washing requires at least 20 seconds of vigorous rubbing with
soap to mechanically remove microorganisms.
,3. A client is admitted with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis. Which type of
transmission-based precautions should the nurse implement?
A. Droplet Precautions
B. Contact Precautions
C. Airborne Precautions
D. Standard Precautions only
Answer: C
Rationale: Tuberculosis is transmitted via small droplets that remain suspended in the air,
requiring Airborne Precautions, including an N95 respirator and a negative-pressure room.
4. In the chain of infection, a contaminated stethoscope is an example of which
link?
A. Reservoir
B. Portal of Exit
C. Mode of Transmission
D. Susceptible Host
Answer: C
Rationale: A stethoscope acts as a vehicle or fomite, facilitating the mode of transmission
between a reservoir and a host.
5. The nurse is caring for a client with Clostridioides difficile (C. diff). Which
hand hygiene method is mandatory?
A. Alcohol-based hand rub
B. Rinsing with warm water only
C. Wiping with an antiseptic towelette
D. Washing with soap and water
Answer: D
Rationale: Alcohol-based rubs are ineffective against C. diff spores; mechanical scrubbing
with soap and water is required to remove them from the hands.
, 6. Which critical thinking attitude is demonstrated when a nurse admits they do
not know how to operate a new infusion pump and asks for help?
A. Integrity
B. Risk taking
C. Humility
D. Confidence
Answer: C
Rationale: Humility involves recognizing when one lacks the knowledge or skills for a
situation and seeking assistance to ensure patient safety.
7. The nurse is donning PPE before entering a room with Droplet Precautions.
Which item should be applied first?
A. Gloves
B. Mask
C. Goggles
D. Gown
Answer: D
Rationale: The standard sequence for donning PPE is gown, then mask or respirator, then
goggles or face shield, and finally gloves.
8. A client has a surgical wound that has become infected. The nurse recognizes
this as what type of infection?
A. Exogenous
B. Iatrogenic
C. Endogenous
D. Normal flora
Answer: A
Rationale: An exogenous infection comes from microorganisms found outside the
individual, such as those introduced during surgery.
