Which action by the nurse is the most important in preventing healthcare-acquired infection in premature infants?

Performing frequent hand hygiene is the most important action in preventing healthcare-acquired infections, especially in vulnerable populations such as premature infants. Hand hygiene is a fundamental practice in infection control that significantly reduces the transmission of pathogens. Premature infants have underdeveloped immune systems, making them particularly susceptible to infections. By maintaining strict hand hygiene, nurses and healthcare providers can effectively reduce the risk of introducing harmful microorganisms to these infants.

The effectiveness of hand hygiene comes from its ability to eliminate or deactivate pathogens that may be present on hands after contact with contaminated surfaces or individuals. This practice is recommended by organizations such as the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as a primary means of preventing the spread of infections in healthcare settings.

Other options, while important in their own right, do not have as direct and immediate an impact on reducing infection rates as hand hygiene does. Disinfecting surfaces is crucial, but if hands are not clean before interacting with patients, the risk of infection remains. Screening visitors for illness helps reduce exposure but does not account for pathogens that may be asymptomatically carried. Prophylactic antibiotics can be useful in specific circumstances but do not replace the foundational importance of maintaining clean hands in infection prevention.