Final answer:
The most effective technique for preventing nosocomial infection transmission in a preschooler is a) hand washing. It surpasses other measures such as wearing masks, using gloves, and administering antibiotics because it directly removes pathogens from the hands, which are a common vector of transmission.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most effective technique in preventing nosocomial infection transmission when caring for a preschooler is hand washing. This simple yet critical behavior is widely recognized as the single most important defense against the spread of many pathogens. When performed correctly, hand washing significantly reduces the transmission of infections caused by bacteria and viruses, which can be spread via direct skin contact or contaminated surfaces.
Healthcare providers are advised to wash their hands thoroughly between every patient contact, and especially after contact with bodily fluids, handling medical instruments, or potentially infectious materials. Proper handwashing involves using soap and warm running water, following a specific procedure to ensure that the entire surface of the hands is cleaned. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a five-step handwashing process, which includes wetting the hands, applying soap, scrubbing thoroughly, rinsing, and drying with a clean towel or air drying.
Wearing gloves, using masks, and administering antibiotics are also important in preventing the spread of infection, but none of these measures is as universally effective as hand washing. Gloves and masks provide barriers against transmission, while antibiotics are utilized to treat bacterial infections that have already occurred and are not a preventive measure for the spread of infections.