What is the primary purpose of infection control in healthcare settings?

• A. To maximize hospital revenue.
• B. To prolong hospitalization.
• C. To complicate care.
• D. To prevent transmission of infections and protect patient and staff.

Answer: (D)

Prevention of spread is the focus. Infection control aims to stop pathogens from moving between people and surfaces in healthcare settings, protecting patients who may be more vulnerable and safeguarding staff who care for them. This is achieved through proven practices like proper hand hygiene, appropriate use of personal protective equipment, sterilization and disinfection of equipment, isolation precautions when needed, environmental cleaning, vaccination, and prudent antibiotic use. By reducing healthcare-associated infections, patient outcomes improve and outbreaks are prevented. The other options describe outcomes that infection control seeks to avoid, not its purpose.