Which action by the nurse is most helpful to prevent clients from acquiring infections while hospitalized?

Question

a. Assessing skin and mucous membranes
b. Consistently using appropriate hand hygiene
c. Monitoring daily white blood cell counts
d. Teaching visitors not to visit if they are ill

Answer 1

ANS: B
Consistent practice of proper hand hygiene is the best method to prevent infection, as most healthcare-associated infections are due to staff members' contaminated hands. Assessing the client and monitoring laboratory values will help the nurse catch signs of infection quickly but will not prevent infection from occurring. Teaching visitors not to come see the client when they are ill will also help prevent infection, but not to the degree that hand hygiene will.