Final answer:
Washing hands thoroughly is key to breaking the chain of infection, as it removes microbes from surfaces like doorknobs and money, preventing them from entering our bodies and making us sick.
Step-by-step explanation:
The action that would have broken the chain of infection is washing hands thoroughly. Understanding that microbes are present on numerous surfaces that we touch frequently, such as doorknobs and money, helps realize the importance of this measure. By washing hands, one can remove potentially harmful microbes, preventing them from entering the body through the mouth, nose, or eyes. In a clinical setting, isolation of the infected patient and strict adherence to protocols, including hand hygiene and disinfecting surfaces and equipment, prevents the spread of infection. Lastly, the significant role of touch in pathogen transmission in densely populated urban areas pinpoints the importance of hand hygiene in breaking the chain of infection.