When preparing for patient treatment, which of the following is not a part of the chain of infection?

Infection control is a crucial aspect of patient care that involves understanding the chain of infection, which consists of various components that lead to the spread of infectious diseases. The chain of infection includes the infectious agent, the host, means of transmission, portal of entry, susceptible host, and portal of exit.

"Prevention" is not considered a part of the chain of infection itself; instead, it refers to the strategies and measures taken to interrupt the chain and reduce the risk of transmitting infections. By implementing preventative measures, healthcare providers can effectively minimize exposure to infectious agents and protect both patients and staff.

Understanding the components of the chain of infection allows healthcare workers to identify how infections spread and to develop effective interventions to break that chain, ultimately safeguarding patient health.