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NCLEX · General

What is the single most effective method for preventing the spread of infection in healthcare settings?

Correct answer

Proper hand hygiene (handwashing or alcohol-based hand rub)

  1. A Wearing gloves at all times
  2. B Proper hand hygiene (handwashing or alcohol-based hand rub)
  3. C Administering antibiotics
  4. D Isolating all clients

Why this is the answer

PROPER HAND HYGIENE — handwashing with soap and water OR using an alcohol-based hand rub — is the SINGLE MOST EFFECTIVE method for preventing the spread of infection. NCLEX safe care/infection control. Perform hand hygiene: before and after client contact, before aseptic procedures, after exposure to body fluids, after touching the client's surroundings, before and after glove use. USE SOAP AND WATER (not alcohol rub) when hands are visibly soiled and for C. difficile and other spore-forming organisms (alcohol doesn't kill spores). Gloves do NOT replace hand hygiene. Hand hygiene is the foundation of infection prevention and one of the most heavily tested NCLEX safety concepts.
Source: NCLEX Safe Care — Hand Hygiene

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