PSW Safety and Infection Control 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the correct technique for disposing of a used needle (sharps) in a client's home?
- Recap the needle and place it in the regular trash
- Place it uncapped directly into an approved sharps container (Correct answer)
- Wrap it in newspaper and put it in a paper bag
- Bend the needle before disposal to prevent reuse
Correct answer: Place it uncapped directly into an approved sharps container
Used sharps must be placed directly into an approved puncture-resistant sharps container without recapping to prevent needlestick injuries.
Question 2: A client has been diagnosed with MRSA. What additional precaution is most appropriate for the PSW?
- Avoid all contact with the client
- Wear gloves and gown when providing direct care (Correct answer)
- Use a respirator mask for all interactions
- Request a different client assignment
Correct answer: Wear gloves and gown when providing direct care
Contact precautions for MRSA require wearing gloves and a gown during direct care to prevent skin-to-skin and clothing contact transmission.
Question 3: What is the purpose of a WHMIS label on a cleaning product used by a PSW?
- To indicate the product's expiry date
- To provide hazard and safe handling information (Correct answer)
- To show the product's cleaning effectiveness rating
- To confirm the product is government-approved
Correct answer: To provide hazard and safe handling information
WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) labels provide critical information about hazards and safe handling of workplace chemicals.
Question 4: When lifting a client or heavy object, a PSW should primarily use which muscles?
- Back muscles
- Shoulder muscles
- Leg muscles (Correct answer)
- Arm muscles
Correct answer: Leg muscles
Safe lifting technique requires using the strong leg muscles rather than the back to prevent musculoskeletal injuries.
Question 5: What should a PSW do if a client's home environment poses a fire hazard, such as a blocked exit?
- Remove the blockage personally without reporting it
- Ignore it if the client seems comfortable
- Report the hazard to a supervisor and document it (Correct answer)
- Call the fire department immediately
Correct answer: Report the hazard to a supervisor and document it
Hazardous conditions must be reported to a supervisor and documented so appropriate action can be taken within the care organization's protocols.
Question 6: Which of the following best describes a PSW's role in medication safety?
- Prescribing medications when a nurse is unavailable
- Reminding clients to take their medications as directed (Correct answer)
- Adjusting dosages based on the client's complaints
- Storing all medications in a central locked cabinet
Correct answer: Reminding clients to take their medications as directed
PSWs support medication management by reminding clients and sometimes assisting with self-administration, but never prescribing or adjusting doses.
PSW Safety and Infection Control 2
What is the correct technique for disposing of a used needle (sharps) in a client's home?