Which of the following best indicates lapses in infection control practices?

• A. Frequent hand hygiene
• B. Proper PPE usage
• C. Improper use of PPE or poor hand hygiene
• D. Sterile technique when performing procedures

Answer: (C)

Lapses in infection control show up when essential precautions aren’t followed, especially in how hands and protective barriers are managed. Hand hygiene is the most important line of defense; if it’s poor or skipped, pathogens can move from one person or surface to another, increasing the risk of infection. PPE must be used correctly—put on, used, and removed in the right order and in appropriate situations. When PPE is used improperly, or gloves are not changed between tasks, or contaminated surfaces are touched with contaminated PPE, the protective barrier is compromised. These missteps directly indicate lapses in infection control.

In contrast, consistently performing hand hygiene, using PPE correctly, and maintaining sterile technique during procedures are actions that reflect proper infection control, not lapses. Therefore, the best indicator of lapses is improper use of PPE or poor hand hygiene.