An infection control program implements measures that reduce the overall HAI rate from 3.0% to 2.4% (a 20% relative reduction). For a hospital with 8,000 admissions in a year, how many infections are prevented by this intervention? Show calculations.

• A. 48 infections prevented per year.
• B. 192 infections prevented, because the lower rate equals the number prevented directly.
• C. 240 infections prevented, because the baseline was fully eliminated.
• D. Only 8 infections prevented, because 20% of 40 is 8 and the math should be applied to the monthly rate only.

Answer: (A)