10–16% of the NCLEX-RN
Safety & Infection Control NCLEX practice questions
Standard and transmission-based precautions, error prevention, restraints, hazardous materials, emergency response, and safe use of equipment. Renamed "Safety and Infection Prevention and Control" in the 2026 test plan.
10–16%of scored items on the 2026 test plan
108Safety & Infection Control questions in the Aegis bank
6free samples below
Question 1 Multiple choice medium
A nurse is caring for a client with active TB. Which PPE should the nurse wear when entering the room?
- A.Surgical mask and gloves
- B.N95 respirator
- C.Sterile gown and gloves
- D.Standard precautions only
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: B · TB airborne precautions
TB requires airborne precautions: N95 respirator (or PAPR), negative-pressure room, door closed.
Question 2 Multiple choice medium
A client has an AV fistula in the left arm for hemodialysis. Which is correct?
- A.Use the fistula arm for blood draws and BP
- B.Avoid BP, blood draws, and IV access in fistula arm; assess thrill and bruit daily
- C.Apply tight pressure to the fistula
- D.Allow client to lie on the fistula arm
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: B · AV fistula care
AV fistula care: NO BP, blood draws, IV, or constrictive clothing on fistula arm. Daily assessment for thrill (palpate) and bruit (auscultate) — absent = clotted, notify provider.
Question 3 Multiple choice medium
A nurse is caring for a client on droplet precautions. Which PPE must be worn?
- A.Gloves only
- B.Surgical mask + standard precautions; N95 not required
- C.N95 respirator
- D.Gown and gloves only
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: B · Droplet precautions PPE
Droplet precautions: surgical mask within 3-6 ft. Examples: influenza, pertussis, meningococcus, mumps. Airborne (TB, measles, varicella) requires N95.
Question 4 Multiple choice medium
A client has clostridium difficile infection. Which hand hygiene method is required after caring for this client?
- A.Alcohol-based hand rub only
- B.Soap and water — alcohol does NOT kill C. difficile spores
- C.Hand sanitizer
- D.Wiping with paper towel
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: B · C. diff hand hygiene
C. diff spores resist alcohol-based rubs. Use soap and water with mechanical action. Contact precautions, dedicated equipment, environmental cleaning with bleach.
Question 5 Select 4 hard
A nurse is providing care for a client with COVID-19 infection in a hospital. Which precautions are appropriate? Select 4.
- A.Place on droplet and contact precautions; airborne for aerosol-generating procedures
- B.Wear N95 respirator for aerosol-generating procedures (intubation, suctioning, BiPAP)
- C.Use eye protection (face shield/goggles) and gown and gloves
- D.Use a private room or cohort with COVID+ patients
- E.Allow visitors freely without PPE
- F.Standard precautions are sufficient
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A, B, C, D · COVID-19 precautions
COVID-19: droplet + contact + eye protection routine, airborne (N95) for AGP. Private room or cohort. PPE for visitors. Vaccinate staff.
Question 6 Select 4 hard
A 4-year-old presents with fever 39.5°C, drooling, tripod position, muffled voice, and refuses to lie down. Which actions are appropriate? Select 4.
- A.Maintain a calm environment and avoid agitating the child
- B.Do not attempt to visualize the throat with a tongue blade
- C.Prepare for possible intubation with anesthesia/ENT present
- D.Notify provider for emergency airway support
- E.Place the child supine for examination
- F.Allow the child to be alone to rest
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A, B, C, D · Epiglottitis emergency
Suspected epiglottitis = airway emergency. Keep child calm with caregiver, do NOT examine throat (could cause complete obstruction), prepare for intubation in OR with anesthesia/ENT, IV antibiotics. Supine worsens obstruction.