Which of the following is the most effective way for surgeons to help limit nosocomial infections in a hospital setting?

• A. Using the same surgical instruments for multiple patients without sterilization
• B. Limiting the use of personal protective equipment during procedures
• C. Administering antibiotics to all patients regardless of need
• D. Practicing proper hand hygiene before and after patient contact

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that nosocomial infections are hospital-acquired infections that can be transmitted through various routes, including contact with contaminated instruments, surfaces, or hands.
2. Recognize that surgical instruments must be sterilized between patients to prevent the transfer of pathogens, so using the same instruments without sterilization increases infection risk.
3. Acknowledge that personal protective equipment (PPE) acts as a barrier to prevent transmission of infectious agents, so limiting its use can increase infection risk.
4. Note that administering antibiotics to all patients regardless of need can lead to antibiotic resistance and is not an effective infection control measure.
5. Identify that proper hand hygiene before and after patient contact is the most effective and fundamental practice to reduce the spread of pathogens and limit nosocomial infections.