Which statement about standard precautions is true?

• A. Standard precautions apply only to bloodborne infections.
• B. Standard precautions apply to all clients at all times.
• C. Standard precautions are optional when gloves are worn.
• D. Standard precautions are only used in surgery.

Answer: (B)

Standard precautions are a universal approach to infection prevention used with every patient, every time. They require treating all human blood and body fluids as potentially infectious, protecting the skin and mucous membranes, and using appropriate PPE and safe practices to prevent transmission. This means performing hand hygiene before and after patient care, wearing gloves when contact with potentially infectious materials is anticipated, donning a gown if clothing could be contaminated, and using a mask or eye protection when splashes or sprays could occur. Safe injection practices and proper cleaning and disinfection of surfaces and equipment are also part of these precautions. Because of this broad, all-the-time approach, standard precautions apply to all clients at all times, not just in specific situations or for certain infections.