What is the primary goal of infection control in nursing?

The primary goal of infection control in nursing is to prevent the spread of infections through hygiene practices and protocols. This encompasses a wide range of activities designed to minimize the risk of infection transmission among patients, healthcare workers, and visitors in a healthcare environment. It includes implementing standard precautions such as hand hygiene, the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), sterilization of instruments, and adhering to guidelines for the management of waste and cleanliness in healthcare settings.

Effective infection control practices help protect vulnerable populations, reduce healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), and ultimately improve patient outcomes. By focusing on hygiene and adopting strict protocols, nurses can create a safer environment that mitigates the risks associated with infectious diseases, which is crucial in both acute and long-term care settings.

The other options relate to different aspects of patient care but do not capture the essence of infection control. For example, preventing unnecessary treatments, enhancing medication adherence, and facilitating patient mobility are all important in the broader scope of nursing care but do not directly address the fundamental purpose of infection control.