What is a key practice a nurse can implement to reduce the risk of hospital-acquired infections?

Implementing infection control practices is essential for reducing the risk of hospital-acquired infections. These practices encompass a variety of methods aimed at preventing the spread of pathogens within healthcare settings. Key components of infection control include hand hygiene, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), proper sterilization and disinfection of medical equipment, and following protocols for isolating patients with contagious infections. These measures directly address the transmission routes of microorganisms and help safeguard both patients and healthcare workers from infections that can complicate recovery and lead to serious health implications.

While administering medications promptly and ensuring proper dietary restrictions are important aspects of patient care, they do not directly target the mechanisms of infection transmission. Likewise, encouraging patient mobility, although beneficial for overall recovery and health, does not specifically address infection control measures. Hence, focusing on infection control practices stands as the most direct and effective strategy to mitigate the occurrence of hospital-acquired infections.