Which environmental surfaces are considered high-touch in a healthcare setting?

High-touch surfaces in a healthcare setting are those that are frequently interacted with by patients, caregivers, and visitors, thus presenting a greater risk for the transmission of infections. The correct group of surfaces identified includes bedside tables, doorknobs, and light switches.

These surfaces are regularly touched by multiple individuals, making them critical points for potential pathogen transfer. For instance, doorknobs are used to enter and exit rooms, light switches are engaged repeatedly to control room lighting, and bedside tables serve as storage areas within easy reach for patients, ensuring that they are touched many times a day. Regular cleaning and disinfection protocols are particularly important for these surfaces to minimize the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).

The other options include surfaces that either have less direct human interaction or are not touched as frequently. Ceiling tiles and air vents, for instance, are generally less accessible and thus less likely to be contaminated. Floor tiles and windowsills, while they do receive some contact, are not as routinely handled as the identified high-touch items. Similarly, while patient beds and monitoring equipment may see frequent use, they are not categorized as high-touch surfaces in the same manner as the selections provided, as they often require specific protocols that differ from general environmental cleaning