Which practice is essential to reduce the risk of infection when changing IV tubing?

Performing hand hygiene before and after changing IV tubing is essential to reduce the risk of infection because it directly addresses one of the most common pathways for pathogens to enter the body. Proper hand hygiene involves thoroughly washing hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, which eliminates bacteria and viruses that can be transferred to sterile equipment or the IV site during the procedure. This simple yet effective measure significantly lowers the risk of healthcare-associated infections by minimizing the microbial load on the caregiver's hands.

Other practices, though they may contribute to overall safety, do not focus on preventing contamination in the same direct manner. For example, leaving the IV site uncovered does not safeguard it from environmental contaminants. Using disinfected gloves, while helpful, does not replace the need for hand hygiene, as gloves can still be contaminated. Additionally, changing IV tubing infrequently could pose a risk if the tubing remains in place beyond recommended time frames, potentially leading to increased risk of infection from biofilm or other sources. Thus, hand hygiene remains the cornerstone of infection prevention in this context.