National Association of Boards of Long Term Care Administrator (NAB) CORE Practice Exam

Regular cleaning is a fundamental aspect of infection control measures, primarily because it effectively removes pathogens from the environment. By thorough and consistent cleaning, surfaces and objects are freed from bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that can cause infections. This reduction in pathogens lessens the chance of transmission of infectious diseases among residents, healthcare staff, and visitors.

In long-term care settings, where individuals may have weakened immune systems and are at higher risk for infections, the importance of maintaining a clean environment cannot be overstated. Regular cleaning is complemented by other infection control practices, such as proper hand hygiene and the use of personal protective equipment, to create a safer environment.

Other options do not adequately address the role of cleaning in infection control. For instance, while vaccinations are vital for preventing diseases, they cannot be substituted by cleaning. Cleanliness and visibility are important for overall facility management and appearance, but these factors do not directly influence infection rates in the same way that removing pathogens does. Encouraging less frequent handwashing contradicts standard infection control practices, which advocate for regular hand hygiene to further reduce the risk of spreading infections.