What are Standard Precautions in infection control?

• A. Only for patients with known infections.
• B. Practices applied to all clients to prevent transmission, including hand hygiene and use of PPE as indicated.
• C. Optional in home health.
• D. Only about glove use.

Answer: (B)

Standard Precautions are infection-control practices applied to every patient, not just those with known infections, to reduce the risk of transmitting organisms. They center on consistent hand hygiene and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment as the situation requires (gloves, masks, eye protection, gowns), plus safe handling of equipment and environmental cleaning. They also include practices like safe injection and respiratory etiquette. Because these precautions are used with all clients, they prevent transmission from both known and unknown infections, aren’t optional in home health, and aren’t limited to glove use.