What are standard precautions in infection control?

• A. Isolation protocols for airborne diseases only
• B. Practices used only for patients with infections
• C. Standard precautions are only for patients with airborne diseases
• D. Practices used for all patients to prevent transmission of pathogens, including hand hygiene, PPE, and safe handling of sharps

Answer: (D)

Standard precautions involve universal infection control measures applied to every patient to prevent transmission of pathogens. They assume anyone could be infectious, so practices are used consistently during all patient care. The key components include diligent hand hygiene before and after contact, using appropriate personal protective equipment (gloves, gown, mask, eye protection) based on the anticipated exposure, safe handling and disposal of sharps, safe injection practices, and proper environmental cleaning. These steps reduce the risk of transmitting blood, body fluids, secretions, excretions, nonintact skin, and mucous membranes. Additional precautions (like contact, droplet, or airborne) are used only when a patient has a known or suspected infection that requires them; standard precautions themselves are for all patients.