What happens if containment controls are not maintained during construction?

• A. No effect on infection risk
• B. Increased infection risk
• C. Reduced energy costs
• D. Improved aesthetics

Answer: (B)

Maintaining containment controls during construction is essential to keep dust, debris, and microbial contaminants from moving from the work zone into patient care areas. If these controls are not kept intact, contaminants can spread through gaps, doorways, shared ventilation, or compromised barriers, increasing exposure for patients and staff. That exposure raises the risk of healthcare-associated infections and can affect respiratory health and sterile environments. Containment measures like physical barriers, dust-control practices, sealing of penetrations, negative pressure or dedicated ventilation for the construction area, HEPA filtration, and thorough cleaning and decontamination are all aimed at preventing that spread. When containment isn’t maintained, infection risk rises, which is why increased infection risk is the correct outcome. Options suggesting no effect or focusing on energy costs or aesthetics don’t address the infection control goal in construction near patient care areas.