Certification in Infection Prevention and Control (CIC) Practice Exam

Hand washing before and after patient contact is a foundational practice in infection prevention and control in healthcare settings. This practice is essential as it significantly reduces the transmission of pathogens, thereby lowering the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Hand hygiene is recognized as the most effective method for preventing the spread of infections, as it removes dirt, organic matter, and transient flora (germs), which can be transferred between patients and healthcare providers.

In various healthcare guidelines, including those from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), the importance of hand hygiene is emphasized as part of standard precautions for all patient care activities. This practice not only protects patients by reducing the chances of infection but also safeguards healthcare workers themselves from becoming vectors of infection.

While using antibiotics responsibly can have its place in infection management, it is not a blanket solution for all patients and can contribute to antibiotic resistance if misapplied. Limiting staff turnover during outbreaks is certainly beneficial for maintaining continuity in infection control practices but does not address the direct transmission of infections as effectively. Lastly, conducting daily room disinfection is important, but it may not be as universally effective if hand hygiene protocols are not also strictly followed, as many infections are transmitted through direct