Name two infection-control practices critical in a hospital setting.

• A. Wearing gloves for every task.
• B. Hand hygiene and aseptic technique.
• C. Wearing decorative scrubs.
• D. Prophylactic antibiotics for all patients.

Answer: (B)

Hand hygiene and aseptic technique are foundational for preventing infections in hospitals. Hand hygiene dramatically reduces the spread of microbes carried on the hands and should be performed before touching a patient, after touching a patient or their environment, and after removing gloves. Use an alcohol-based hand rub for most situations, and wash with soap and water when hands are visibly dirty or after potential exposure to spores like C. difficile. Aseptic technique ensures that invasive procedures and sterile equipment remain free from microorganisms, preserving a sterile field and preventing contamination during tasks such as catheter insertions, wound care, injections, or any procedure involving entry into sterile body sites. Together, these practices address the main routes of transmission and are the most effective ways to prevent healthcare-associated infections. Wearing gloves for every task is not ideal, decorative scrubs don’t impact infection risk, and giving prophylactic antibiotics to all patients is unnecessary and can promote resistance.