What do Standard Precautions aim to prevent?

Standard Precautions are a set of infection control practices designed to prevent the transmission of pathogens in healthcare settings, regardless of whether a patient is known to be infected or not. This approach ensures that all patients are treated with the same level of care and safety, minimizing the risk of spreading infections.

The primary goal of Standard Precautions is to create a universal approach to infection control that protects both healthcare workers and patients. This includes the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), hand hygiene, and safe handling of patient care equipment to limit exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials.

While other options focus on specific scenarios, such as only infected patients or certain types of procedures, Standard Precautions encompass a broader range of practices that apply to every patient encounter, making them vital for infection prevention in all healthcare settings.