Which of the following statements about infection control is accurate?

Infection control is a critical aspect of healthcare practice, and the statement that healthcare workers are obligated to follow established infection control practices reflects the importance of these measures in preventing the spread of infections. Healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses, and support staff, are trained to adhere to guidelines set forth by organizations such as OSHA and the CDC. These guidelines encompass practices such as proper hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), sterilization of instruments, and protocols for handling and disposing of biohazardous materials.

Following these infection control practices is crucial in reducing the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), which can have significant consequences for patients, including increased morbidity, longer hospital stays, and even death. The obligation of healthcare workers to adhere to these practices underscores a commitment to patient safety and quality care.

By contrast, the other statements are misleading. Infection control is necessary in all healthcare settings, including outpatient clinics, as infections can occur anywhere care is provided. Infection prevention guidelines are applicable to both inpatient and outpatient environments, aiming to protect patients and staff across various healthcare settings. While it is ideal to prevent all healthcare-associated infections, not all of them are completely preventable due to various factors, including the vulnerability of patients and the complexity of