Patient Care Technician (PCT) AAH Practice Exam

What is the single most important action to prevent the spread of infection?

1. Wash your hands

2. Use hand sanitizer

3. Wear gloves

4. Avoid contact with sick individuals

The correct answer is: Wash your hands

Washing your hands is the single most important action to prevent the spread of infection because it effectively removes dirt, germs, and infectious agents from your skin. Proper hand hygiene disrupts the transmission of pathogens that can cause various infections. It is particularly crucial in healthcare settings where the risk of spreading infections is heightened. Handwashing, when done correctly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, can eliminate a larger number of microorganisms compared to hand sanitizers. While hand sanitizers can be effective when soap and water are not available, they may not eliminate all types of germs, especially when hands are visibly soiled or greasy. Wearing gloves is also important in preventing infection, particularly when handling bodily fluids or caring for wounds. However, gloves can create a false sense of security, and if not used with proper hand hygiene, they can also distribute pathogens rather than eliminate them. Avoiding contact with sick individuals is a valuable precaution, but it is not always feasible in healthcare environments where contact may be necessary for treatment. Therefore, handwashing stands out as the most effective action to break the chain of infection transmission.