The cost effective way to prevent spreading of microorganism?

KPSC Staff Nurse - 2018

Applied Microbiology & Infection control

Easy

Appeared in: KPSC Staff Nurse - 2018

Explanation

Hand hygiene is universally recognized as the single most important, simplest, and most cost-effective method for preventing the spread of infections in healthcare settings.
It is readily accessible at the point of care (e.g., alcohol-based rubs) and does not have the recurring per-use cost associated with disposable PPE like gloves, masks, or gowns.
Proper hand hygiene effectively removes or inactivates a wide range of pathogens from the hands, breaking the chain of transmission.
The World Health Organization's '5 Moments for Hand Hygiene' provides a clear framework for its application, emphasizing its fundamental role in patient safety.

Option A: Wearing a mask is a specific intervention for preventing droplet or airborne transmission, not a universal, primary method for all microorganism spread. It is more costly and less broadly applicable than hand hygiene.
Option B: Gloves provide a barrier but are not a substitute for hand hygiene. Hands can become contaminated during glove removal, and gloves can transfer germs from one surface to another. They also have a per-item cost.
Option D: Wearing a gown is a form of contact precaution used when extensive contact with a patient or their environment is anticipated, or when there is a risk of clothing being soiled by infectious material. It is situational and the most costly option listed.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Cost-effective infection control measures as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Adherence to hand hygiene is a direct measure of the quality and safety of patient care. It is the first line of defense against Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs).
Nurses have a professional and ethical responsibility to practice and promote correct hand hygiene to protect their patients, themselves, and their colleagues.
In resource-limited settings, the cost-effectiveness of hand hygiene is even more critical, as it provides a high level of protection for a minimal investment.

How to Approach the Question

First, analyze the keywords in the question: 'cost-effective' and 'prevent spreading of microorganism'.
The term 'cost-effective' is a crucial qualifier. It asks for the method that provides the best outcome for the lowest cost.
Evaluate each option based on this criterion. Masks, gloves, and gowns are forms of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that have a per-item cost and are used in specific situations.
Consider the most fundamental and universally applied infection control practice. Hand hygiene is taught as the cornerstone of infection prevention.
Conclude that hand hygiene is the most broadly applicable, least expensive, and highly effective method, making it the most cost-effective choice.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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