What is the term for the process of protecting patients from infection?

The correct answer is "infection control," which specifically refers to the practices and procedures implemented to prevent the spread of infections within healthcare settings. Infection control involves various strategies, including proper hand hygiene, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), sterilization of instruments, and isolation procedures when necessary. This approach is essential not only for protecting patients but also for safeguarding healthcare workers and preventing outbreaks.

The focus of infection control is on understanding how infections are transmitted and taking proactive steps to minimize the risk of transmission, ensuring a safer environment for patient care. This term is widely used across the healthcare field and is foundational in nursing and other medical disciplines.

In contrast, patient safety is a broader concept that encompasses various aspects of care to prevent errors and harm to patients, not specifically limited to infection prevention. Health maintenance refers to ongoing measures taken to preserve health, including regular check-ups, vaccinations, and lifestyle modifications but does not specifically pertain to infection prevention. Medical assistance typically refers to the support provided by healthcare workers, such as CNAs, in aiding medical professionals and assisting with patient care tasks, rather than focusing exclusively on infection prevention measures.