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Regular handwashing and adherence to infection control protocols are crucial measures in reducing the risk of hospital-acquired infections. The effectiveness of hand hygiene in preventing the spread of infections has been extensively supported by research. When healthcare workers consistently wash their hands before and after patient contact and follow established protocols for cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and equipment, it significantly lowers the transmission rates of pathogens within the hospital.

Infection control protocols also include wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), maintaining sterile techniques during procedures, and isolating patients with communicable diseases. These practices create a controlled environment that minimizes the risk of spreading infections among patients.

While other options might seem helpful, they are not practical or effective as standalone measures. Decreasing patient intake and visitor hours could potentially impact patient care negatively and does not address the root cause of infections. The administration of prophylactic antibiotics for all patients can lead to antibiotic resistance and side effects without targeting specific infections. Exclusively using single-use items, while beneficial in certain contexts, is not always feasible or necessary and may not comprehensively address the infection risk as effectively as systematic hand hygiene and infection protocols do. Thus, focusing on hand hygiene and infection control remains the most effective strategy in preventing hospital-acquired infections.