Which statement best describes Standard Precautions?

• A. They involve treating all blood and body fluids as potentially infectious and using PPE and safe practices.
• B. They are only used for airborne diseases.
• C. They replace the need for gloves.
• D. They apply only to hospital settings.

Answer: (A)

Standard Precautions are a universal approach to infection control that starts with treating all blood and body fluids as potentially infectious and using protective gear and safe practices to prevent transmission. This means practicing thorough hand hygiene, wearing gloves when handling blood or body fluids, and using masks, eye protection, or gowns when there’s a risk of splashes or contact with fluids. It also includes safe handling of needles and sharps, proper safe injection practices, and diligent cleaning and disinfection of surfaces and equipment. These precautions are applied to every patient and in every setting where care is given, not just in hospitals, and they cover more than just airborne diseases. PPE is used as part of the approach, not as a replacement for gloves or other protections.