Nosocomial infections can be prevented by all of the following except?

Nosocomial infections, or hospital-acquired infections, are a significant concern in healthcare settings. The correct response indicates that increasing patient stay does not help in preventing these infections. In fact, longer hospital stays can be associated with a higher risk of acquiring infections due to prolonged exposure to the healthcare environment and the potential for increased exposure to pathogens.

On the other hand, the other options are all proven strategies for preventing nosocomial infections. Proper hand washing is a fundamental practice that significantly reduces the transmission of infectious agents. Maintaining barriers to contamination, such as using sterile equipment and appropriate protective gear, is critical in creating a safe environment for patient care. Following established isolation procedures ensures that patients who are at risk or infected are properly managed to minimize the risk of spreading infections to other patients.

In summary, while effective infection control measures can significantly decrease the occurrence of nosocomial infections, extending the duration of a patient’s hospital stay is likely to increase their risk rather than decrease it.