What are standard precautions in healthcare?

Standard precautions in healthcare are critical infection control measures that apply universally to all patients, regardless of their infection status. This approach is rooted in the recognition that blood and certain bodily fluids can be infectious, even if the patient is not known to have an infection. By assuming that all blood and bodily fluids are potentially infectious, healthcare workers are better equipped to protect themselves and their patients from the transmission of various pathogens, including bloodborne viruses like HIV and hepatitis B and C.

These precautions include practices such as proper hand hygiene, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves and masks, and safe handling of sharps. This comprehensive protocol enhances safety within healthcare settings and is foundational to preventing the spread of infections.

Other potential choices do not capture the essence of standard precautions. The first option is too limited, as it only considers patients with known infections, which does not reflect the breadth of standard precautions. Guidelines for patient comfort, mentioned in the third option, are unrelated to infection prevention measures. The fourth option, while important in its own right, pertains specifically to cleaning and disinfecting equipment, which is part of a broader infection control strategy but does not define standard precautions directly.