1
NCLEX RN Exam Bank on Environmental Health &
Occupational Safety Considerations
Table of Contents
Subtopic 1: Hazardous Exposure in the Healthcare Environment ...................................... 2
Subtopic 2: Noise Pollution, Lighting, and Ergonomics in Clinical Settings ...................... 11
Subtopic 3: Chemical and Drug Handling Safety Protocols ............................................. 21
Subtopic 4: Infection Control & Environmental Hygiene Strategies .................................. 30
Subtopic 5: Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Exposure Nursing
Responses ................................................................................................................. 39
Subtopic 6: Ergonomics, Musculoskeletal Injury Prevention, and Nurse Body Mechanics . 47
, 2
Subtopic 1: Hazardous Exposure in the Healthcare
Environment
Question 1
A nurse is assigned to care for a client receiving chemotherapy. What is the most
appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) the nurse should wear when handling the
patient’s bodily fluids?
A. Sterile gloves and face shield
B. Chemotherapy-rated gloves and disposable gown
C. N95 mask and surgical cap
D. Regular latex gloves and goggles
Correct answer: B. Chemotherapy-rated gloves and disposable gown
Rationale: Bodily fluids of patients receiving chemotherapy can contain hazardous agents.
Chemotherapy-rated PPE, such as nitrile gloves rated for chemotherapy and impermeable
gowns, protects against exposure.
Question 2
Which environmental factor most contributes to the development of asthma in healthcare
workers?
A. Prolonged use of nitrile gloves
B. Exposure to disinfectants like bleach and quaternary ammonium compounds
C. Excessive screen time
D. Inadequate break time
, 3
Correct answer: B. Exposure to disinfectants like bleach and quaternary ammonium
compounds
Rationale: Regular use of strong disinfectants in healthcare settings is associated with
increased risk of asthma and respiratory irritation among healthcare professionals.
Question 3
What is the FIRST action a nurse should take upon discovering a mercury spill from a
broken sphygmomanometer?
A. Dispose of it in a biohazard bag
B. Evacuate the area and notify hazardous materials team
C. Wipe the spill with a damp cloth
D. Sweep it into a dustpan
Correct answer: B. Evacuate the area and notify hazardous materials team
Rationale: Mercury is toxic. The nurse must avoid direct contact, evacuate the area to
prevent inhalation, and contact HAZMAT professionals.
Question 4
Which of the following nursing actions is a priority when working in an area with known
mold exposure?
A. Apply hand sanitizer after leaving the room
B. Place a mask on the patient
C. Wear an N95 respirator
D. Use gloves and gown
, 4
Correct answer: C. Wear an N95 respirator
Rationale: Mold spores can be airborne and lead to respiratory issues. An N95 respirator
filters out airborne particles and is essential in such environments.
Question 5
A nurse working in radiology should take which action to minimize occupational exposure
to radiation?
A. Use lead gloves only
B. Limit time spent with patients
C. Wear a lead apron and dosimeter badge
D. Avoid direct patient contact
Correct answer: C. Wear a lead apron and dosimeter badge
Rationale: Lead aprons shield the body from radiation, while dosimeter badges track
cumulative exposure.
Question 6
What should a nurse do if they suspect formaldehyde exposure in the operating room?
A. Increase room humidity
B. Report the exposure and request air quality testing
C. Use stronger air fresheners
D. Replace surgical masks with cloth masks
Correct answer: B. Report the exposure and request air quality testing
NCLEX RN Exam Bank on Environmental Health &
Occupational Safety Considerations
Table of Contents
Subtopic 1: Hazardous Exposure in the Healthcare Environment ...................................... 2
Subtopic 2: Noise Pollution, Lighting, and Ergonomics in Clinical Settings ...................... 11
Subtopic 3: Chemical and Drug Handling Safety Protocols ............................................. 21
Subtopic 4: Infection Control & Environmental Hygiene Strategies .................................. 30
Subtopic 5: Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Exposure Nursing
Responses ................................................................................................................. 39
Subtopic 6: Ergonomics, Musculoskeletal Injury Prevention, and Nurse Body Mechanics . 47
, 2
Subtopic 1: Hazardous Exposure in the Healthcare
Environment
Question 1
A nurse is assigned to care for a client receiving chemotherapy. What is the most
appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) the nurse should wear when handling the
patient’s bodily fluids?
A. Sterile gloves and face shield
B. Chemotherapy-rated gloves and disposable gown
C. N95 mask and surgical cap
D. Regular latex gloves and goggles
Correct answer: B. Chemotherapy-rated gloves and disposable gown
Rationale: Bodily fluids of patients receiving chemotherapy can contain hazardous agents.
Chemotherapy-rated PPE, such as nitrile gloves rated for chemotherapy and impermeable
gowns, protects against exposure.
Question 2
Which environmental factor most contributes to the development of asthma in healthcare
workers?
A. Prolonged use of nitrile gloves
B. Exposure to disinfectants like bleach and quaternary ammonium compounds
C. Excessive screen time
D. Inadequate break time
, 3
Correct answer: B. Exposure to disinfectants like bleach and quaternary ammonium
compounds
Rationale: Regular use of strong disinfectants in healthcare settings is associated with
increased risk of asthma and respiratory irritation among healthcare professionals.
Question 3
What is the FIRST action a nurse should take upon discovering a mercury spill from a
broken sphygmomanometer?
A. Dispose of it in a biohazard bag
B. Evacuate the area and notify hazardous materials team
C. Wipe the spill with a damp cloth
D. Sweep it into a dustpan
Correct answer: B. Evacuate the area and notify hazardous materials team
Rationale: Mercury is toxic. The nurse must avoid direct contact, evacuate the area to
prevent inhalation, and contact HAZMAT professionals.
Question 4
Which of the following nursing actions is a priority when working in an area with known
mold exposure?
A. Apply hand sanitizer after leaving the room
B. Place a mask on the patient
C. Wear an N95 respirator
D. Use gloves and gown
, 4
Correct answer: C. Wear an N95 respirator
Rationale: Mold spores can be airborne and lead to respiratory issues. An N95 respirator
filters out airborne particles and is essential in such environments.
Question 5
A nurse working in radiology should take which action to minimize occupational exposure
to radiation?
A. Use lead gloves only
B. Limit time spent with patients
C. Wear a lead apron and dosimeter badge
D. Avoid direct patient contact
Correct answer: C. Wear a lead apron and dosimeter badge
Rationale: Lead aprons shield the body from radiation, while dosimeter badges track
cumulative exposure.
Question 6
What should a nurse do if they suspect formaldehyde exposure in the operating room?
A. Increase room humidity
B. Report the exposure and request air quality testing
C. Use stronger air fresheners
D. Replace surgical masks with cloth masks
Correct answer: B. Report the exposure and request air quality testing
