Define standard precautions and describe when they apply.

• A. A set of infection control practices used for all patients to prevent exposure to bloodborne and other pathogens; apply to all patient encounters.
• B. Precautions used only for airborne diseases.
• C. Only when a patient has an infection.
• D. Strict isolation for every patient.

Answer: (A)

Standard precautions are the baseline infection control approach used with every patient to prevent transmission of pathogens. The core idea is that blood, body fluids (except sweat), nonintact skin, and mucous membranes can harbor infectious agents, so the same precautions are applied universally rather than only when an illness is suspected. In practice, this means thorough hand hygiene before and after patient contact, appropriate use of personal protective equipment such as gloves, gowns, masks, or eye protection when exposure to bodily fluids is possible, safe handling and disposal of sharps, safe injection practices, cleaning and disinfection of surfaces and equipment, respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette, and proper management of patient care items and waste. These measures apply to every patient encounter, ensuring a consistent level of protection.

The other options miss this universal, all-patient application. One focuses only on airborne diseases, which is an additional precaution used for certain conditions, not the baseline. The idea of isolation for every patient isn’t correct, since isolation is reserved for specific transmission risks or confirmed infections, and standard precautions cover the routine protection for all patients regardless of known status.