When should standard precautions be used?

• A. For occupational safety during procedures.
• B. For all clients, at all times.
• C. Only for airborne diseases.
• D. Only during postoperative care.

Answer: (B)

Standard precautions are the baseline approach to infection control, applied to every patient and in every care interaction. They’re designed so you treat all blood, body fluids, nonintact skin, and mucous membranes as potentially infectious, which means using them at all times, not just in specific situations. This universal application helps prevent transmission of pathogens during any contact, from routine care to more invasive procedures. That’s why the best answer is that you should use standard precautions for all clients, at all times. Limiting precautions to procedures, only to airborne diseases, or only to postoperative care would miss potential transmission opportunities in other parts of care. In practice, this means consistent hand hygiene, appropriate use of personal protective equipment, safe injection practices, and proper handling and cleaning of equipment with every patient.