Which action is most important to prevent catheter-related bloodstream infection?

Rationale: A. Performing hand hygiene before and after IV care is correct. Hand hygiene is the single most effective measure to prevent the transmission of pathogens and reduce the risk of catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs). Proper hand hygiene before handling IV lines, medications, or insertion sites prevents contamination, while hand hygiene after care prevents the spread of microorganisms to other patients or surfaces. This intervention forms the foundation of all infection control practices in IV therapy. B. Flushing the IV catheter frequently helps maintain patency and prevent occlusion but does not directly prevent bloodstream infections. While flushing reduces mechanical complications, it cannot eliminate microbial contamination. C. Wearing gloves during insertion is important for standard precautions and personal protection, but gloves alone do not prevent infection if hand hygiene and aseptic technique are not performed. Gloves are part of a broader infection prevention strategy. D. Changing IV tubing at appropriate intervals reduces infection risk, but the current CDC guidelines indicate that tubing does not need to be changed every 24 hours unless indicated. While this is an important practice, it is secondary to proper hand hygiene, which has the greatest impact on preventing infection.