After an Outbreak of a Drug-Resistant Strain of Bacteria (Enterococci $\left( \log _ { 10 } ( \right.$

question 21

Essay

After an outbreak of a drug-resistant strain of bacteria (Enterococci faecium), hospital officials became concerned that their alcohol-based handrub (ABHR) hand hygiene program was not sufficient to prevent spreading this bacteria. The officials solicited 20 volunteers to assess the effectiveness of ABHR. The volunteers' hands were contaminated with E. faecium. After gathering baseline data on the amount of bacteria present they performed the recommended hand hygiene according to the World Health Organization protocol. The amount of bacteria present was then assessed again. Summary measures and boxplots of the baseline sample, the postABHR sample, and the reduction in the amount of bacteria $\left( \log _ { 10 } ( \right.$ bacteria $\left. / \mathrm { mL } ) \right)$ are presented below. Do these data provide sufficient evidence that the ABHR is effective against the $E$ . faecium?

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Definitions:

Situational Factors

External influences that affect an individual's behavior, decision-making, and psychological well-being in a given context.

Freedom of Movement

A concept often related to psychological and physical liberty, implying the ability to change one's position or travel freely.

Feelings of Inferiority

Emotions that arise from perceiving oneself as less capable or inferior to others, which according to Adler can motivate individuals to strive for superiority.

Behavior Potential

The likelihood of a particular behavior occurring, determined by the individual's history of reinforcement and the current environment.