Which of the following is not recommended for practice in infection prevention?

• A. Extended Post-Operative Antibiotics
• B. Catheter Care Bundle for Prevention of CLABSI
• C. Hand Hygiene With Alcohol Sanitizer
• D. Influenza Vaccination

Answer: (A)

Infection prevention focuses on evidence-based actions that reduce transmission and prevent infection, while avoiding unnecessary or unproven therapies. Extended postoperative antibiotics are not recommended as a routine infection prevention practice because, beyond the immediate perioperative window, they don’t reliably reduce infection rates and can cause harm, including antimicrobial resistance, adverse drug effects, and disruption of normal flora. Use antibiotics only when indicated and within guideline-directed timeframes.

In contrast, hand hygiene with alcohol-based sanitizer is a fundamental, proven measure to prevent pathogen spread; catheter care bundles for prevention of CLABSI reduce bloodstream infections associated with central lines; and influenza vaccination protects patients and healthcare workers, decreasing influenza transmission and related complications. These are standard, evidence-based infection prevention practices.