What is the most effective nursing strategy to prevent infection?

The most effective nursing strategy to prevent infection is washing hands before and after any direct client contact. Hand hygiene is widely recognized as one of the most crucial practices in infection control. Proper handwashing removes pathogens and reduces the likelihood of transferring bacteria or viruses from one person to another or from surfaces to patients.

This practice is especially vital in healthcare settings where patients may be vulnerable to infections due to weakened immune systems or invasive procedures. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes that handwashing is a fundamental measure for preventing healthcare-associated infections.

While wearing gloves, administering antibiotics, and using antiseptic solutions are all important practices in infection control, they are supplementary and cannot replace the efficacy of hand hygiene. Gloves can create a false sense of security if handwashing is neglected, and antibiotics may not be effective for all infections or in every situation. Similarly, antiseptics help reduce surface contaminants but do not substitute for personal hygiene practices among healthcare providers.