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Correct Answer: single-use instruments.
when discussing infection control, various strategies and tools are implemented to either eliminate, isolate, or minimize hazards related to infectious agents. the strategies are categorized based on how they manage these hazards:
**elimination of a hazard**: this is the most effective control level in the hierarchy of control measures. it involves removing the hazard entirely from the workplace, thus preventing exposure to it. in the context of infection control, **single-use instruments** are a prime example of this strategy. these instruments are designed to be used once and then discarded, thereby eliminating the risk of transmitting infections from one patient to another through reusable devices. by using single-use instruments, healthcare providers can ensure that no residual biological material carries over from one use to another, effectively removing the potential for cross-contamination.
**isolation of a hazard**: this strategy involves separating the hazard from healthcare workers or patients, thus minimizing the risk of exposure without eliminating the hazard completely. **safety needles**, which are engineered to prevent needle-stick injuries, exemplify this approach. these needles might have a sheath or a mechanism that retracts the needle after use, isolating the sharp, potentially contaminated point and reducing the risk of injury and exposure to infectious agents.
**work practice controls**: these are procedures and behaviors that are designed to reduce the likelihood of exposure by altering the way tasks are performed. **hand hygiene** is a critical work practice control in infection prevention. regular and proper hand washing or the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers can significantly reduce the transmission of pathogens.
**personal protective equipment (ppe)**: this includes items such as **masks, gloves, and aprons**, which provide a barrier between the hazard and the healthcare worker. ppe is generally considered when elimination, substitution, and engineering controls are not feasible or do not completely control the hazard.
in summary, single-use instruments are categorized under the "elimination of a hazard" because they are discarded after one use, preventing any risk of infection that could arise from their reuse. this direct disposal aligns with the ultimate goal of hazard elimination, which is to completely remove the risk at its source. this method contrasts with other controls that do not remove the hazard but rather aim to manage and mitigate the associated risks.
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