Which of the following is least effective in preventing infections from bloodborne pathogens?

The use of antibiotics is least effective in preventing infections from bloodborne pathogens because antibiotics are designed to treat bacterial infections rather than prevent them. Bloodborne pathogens, such as HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C, are viruses and require different measures for prevention.

While antibiotics can be crucial in treating infections after exposure has occurred, they do not provide a protective barrier or preventive mechanism against the initial transmission of these viruses. In contrast, personal protective equipment like gloves and face masks, along with hand sanitizers, serve as critical first-line defenses against the ingestion or transmission of pathogens during direct contact or handling contaminated materials.

Preventive strategies focus on lowering the likelihood of infection transmission and include measures such as maintaining hygiene, using protective gear, and engaging in safe practices. Thus, while antibiotics are important in clinical settings for treating infections, they do not play a preventive role in the context of exposure to bloodborne pathogens.