Nursing Acceleration Challenge Exam (NACE) PN-RN Practice Test 2025 – All-in-One Resource to Excel in Your Exam!

Hand hygiene before and after patient contact is a crucial aspect of infection control in healthcare settings. This practice is fundamental in preventing the transmission of pathogens between healthcare workers and patients. Proper hand hygiene significantly reduces the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), which can lead to serious complications, prolonged hospital stays, and increased healthcare costs.

By adhering to hand hygiene protocols, healthcare professionals effectively remove dirt, organic matter, and pathogens from their hands, creating a safer environment for patient care. The importance of this practice cannot be overstated; studies consistently show that handwashing with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers is one of the most effective measures to control the spread of infections within hospitals and clinics.

In the context of the options provided, personal protective equipment (PPE) serves a specific role in infection control, but it is not the only measure and is generally required beyond just surgical environments. Disposing of all waste in a single container poses a risk for cross-contamination and does not adhere to best practices in waste management. Minimizing communication between staff can hinder collaborative care and information sharing, which are vital for patient safety and infection control. Thus, maintaining effective hand hygiene remains paramount for ensuring a safe healthcare environment.