The main purpose of using an infection control protocol during medication administration is to prevent the spread of infections. This is crucial in healthcare settings, especially when medications are administered, as the risk of contamination and transmission of infectious agents is heightened. By adhering to strict hygiene practices, such as handwashing, using gloves, and ensuring that surfaces and equipment are sanitized, healthcare personnel can significantly reduce the likelihood of infections among patients. This not only safeguards the health of the individuals receiving medication but also protects staff and other patients within the facility.
The other options focus on aspects that, while important in their own right, do not directly address the core objective of infection control during medication administration. Reducing medication costs and increasing medication efficacy are significant factors in overall healthcare management, but they do not specifically relate to the implementation of protocols aimed at minimizing infection risks. Streamlining patient intake is about improving efficiency in healthcare processes and does not pertain directly to the prevention of infections during the medication administration phase. Hence, preventing the spread of infections is the critical focus of infection control protocols in this context.