Final answer:
Floors in healthcare settings should be durable, non-porous, and easy to clean, to limit microbial growth and facilitate disinfection. Doorknobs may be coated with antimicrobials, and HEPA filters are essential in ventilation systems to protect patients, especially in critical care areas.
Step-by-step explanation:
The recommended characteristics of floors in healthcare settings should support the goal of minimizing the risk of infection and facilitating hygiene and cleanability. Floors should be durable, non-porous, and easy to clean, which helps prevent the growth and spread of microbes. Additionally, surfaces like doorknobs in clinical settings are often coated with antimicrobial substances to prevent microbial transmission. The use of HEPA filters in hospital ventilation systems is also crucial in areas like surgical suites and isolation units to ensure that opportunistic pathogens are removed from the air, protecting vulnerable patients from infection.