Infection Control · single question
Which method of disease prevention is the cheapest to implement but the most expensive to maintain?
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Correct answer: C. PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
✓ C) PPE is correct.
PPE (gloves, masks, gowns) has low upfront cost but requires continuous purchasing, replacement, and compliance training — making it expensive to maintain long-term. Engineering controls (e.g., ventilation systems, barriers) are expensive to install but cheaper to maintain. Administrative controls (policies/protocols) are cheap to implement but require ongoing training. The hierarchy of controls places PPE as the LEAST preferred method despite accessibility.
PPE (gloves, masks, gowns) has low upfront cost but requires continuous purchasing, replacement, and compliance training — making it expensive to maintain long-term. Engineering controls (e.g., ventilation systems, barriers) are expensive to install but cheaper to maintain. Administrative controls (policies/protocols) are cheap to implement but require ongoing training. The hierarchy of controls places PPE as the LEAST preferred method despite accessibility.
- A. PPE is the CHEAPEST to implement (buy gloves, masks, gowns) but the MOST EXPENSIVE to maintain over time because it must be continually replaced/purchased and requires ongoing compliance training. The OSHA hierarchy of controls places PPE at the BOTTOM — it is the last resort and least effective long-term strategy despite low initial cost.
- B. Administrative controls (work policies, schedules, training) are moderate in both implementation and maintenance cost.
- C. Engineering controls are expensive to IMPLEMENT (installing ventilation systems, safety devices) but relatively low cost to maintain.
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