What practice prevents or stops the spread of infections in healthcare settings?

• A. Infection Control
• B. Hypertension
• C. Intake
• D. Integumentary System

Answer: (A)

Infection control is the organized set of practices designed to prevent the spread of infections in healthcare settings. It’s the framework that makes everyday actions safe for patients and staff. Key elements include hand hygiene before and after patient contact, using the right personal protective equipment, cleaning and sterilizing equipment and surfaces, proper disposal of waste and sharps, and applying standard precautions with all patients plus transmission-based precautions when infections are known or suspected. These steps interrupt the pathways pathogens use to move from person to person or from surfaces to people, which is exactly what prevents spread. The other options describe conditions or body parts, not practices that stop transmission: hypertension is a medical condition, intake refers to nutrition or fluids, and the integumentary system is the skin and related structures.