Which action is essential for preventing infection in patient care?

Regularly changing bed linens and gowns is essential for preventing infection in patient care because it helps eliminate pathogens that can accumulate on these surfaces. Clean linens contribute significantly to maintaining a hygienic environment, reducing the risk of cross-contamination between patients. Contaminated fabrics can harbor bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that can lead to hospital-acquired infections. By ensuring that bed linens and gowns are changed frequently and are clean, healthcare providers minimize the possibility of transmitting infections, thereby protecting the health and safety of both patients and staff.

In contrast, maintaining a cluttered workspace can increase the risk of accidents and make it more difficult to maintain cleanliness, while using the same gloves for multiple patients might lead to the transfer of infectious agents. Avoiding hand hygiene practices is also detrimental as it leaves healthcare workers' hands, which are primary vectors for infection transmission, unclean. Thus, regular changing of linens and gowns stands out as a fundamental practice in infection control.